Events calendar 2023…
Islay is a small island with a big calendar. There are so many things happening all year round that we have created a round-up below of all the year events. So take a look and book a stay…
What to do on Islay in 2023
If you are looking for what to do on Islay in 2023 then you have come to the right place to see what is on! Here at Islay Cottages, we want to make it as easy as we can for our guests when they come to stay. So we have created a list of events that are happening over the coming year.
SPRING
Walk Islay Week
TBC
Explore our beautiful island on Walk Islay Week which takes place every April. Here you will be accompanied by an experienced and informative tour guide to showcase all the island has to offer. Walks vary from easy to strenuous and take in the beautiful island scenery.
Isle of Jura Fell Race
27th May 2023
Can you handle it? The Isle of Jura Fell Race is one of the toughest and most challenging long-distance hill races in Britain. Here competitors have to navigate the tough and sometimes dangerous terrain on the Isle of Jura to make it to the end. Come along and join in or just simply spectate.
Islay Festival Feis Ile
26th May – 4th June 2023
Here you can indulge yourself in all things Scottish. With a fun-filled program including ceilidhs, golf, traditional music, Gaelic lessons, bowling and whisky tasting you will be entertained from dusk til dawn. Join us at the Islay Festival of Music and Malt for a week-long celebration of musical delights and all things Islay has to showcase!
Book NowSUMMER
Islay Beach Rugby
TBC
In Australia it is volleyball, on Islay it is rugby – on the beach! Come along and enjoy one of the top rugby events of the year and prepare to be entertained! Teams and crowds from all over are drawn to this event where male and female rugby teams partake in games that are 4 minutes each way with 5 players on each team. Eat sand… that is literally what ends up happening! Better than mud.
Cantilena Music Festival
9th – 14th July 2023
If you enjoy music and want to indulge yourself in beautiful sounds on the Hebridean island of Islay then this event could be just for you. Islay is home to Cantilena’s professional musicians and students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Here you can lose yourself in romantic chamber music at its best, performed by musicians who love to share their passion and ideas with all.
Ride of the Falling Rain
6th August 2023
Hopefully, not a ride in the falling rain, the Ride of the Falling Rain is a 100-mile cycle round the roads of Islay. The race starts and finishes in Bruichladdich and youngsters are invited to join in under parental supervision. So why not come along and join in what is sure to be a fun day out?
Ardbeg Islay Half Marathon
5th August 2023
A 13 mile and 192-yard run that starts in Bowmore and circles its way past Islay Airport and back has been running (pardon the pun) now since 1986. So if you fancy donning your running shoes or simply relaxing from the sidelines then why not come along and get involved. It is sure to be a fun and entertaining day!
Islay, Jura and Colonsay Show
10th August 2023
Sure to be a fun day out with family, friends or even just yourself the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show is on this August. Here you can view a variety of livestock and watch them being judged. There is a gymkhana, dog show, pipe band and children’s amusements. There are plenty of stalls for some retail therapy where you can sample local produce and more!
AUTUMN
Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival
15th – 17th September 2023
If you are a jazz lover and want to experience possibly one of the most extraordinary contexts for a Jazz Festival then why not come and experience the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival? Here you can enjoy listening to Scottish and International jazz musicians perform across a variety of venues in Islay.
Jura Music Festival
22nd – 24th September 2023
Come along and enjoy a full weekend of foot-stomping traditional Scottish Music. The Jura Music Festival boasts a great line-up of musicians. Workshops will be running as well as sessions to promote up-and-coming talent. Traditionally starting with a ceilidh on a Friday night, the weekend ends on a high with a concert in the distillery cooperage. So if you are a music lover, be sure not to miss this!
Book NowIf you want to join in the fun and need somewhere to stay then get in touch…
If you are looking for accommodation on Islay during any of these Islay events then get in touch with us today and we can book you into one of our cosy Islay Cottages! For those wondering what to do on Islay this year, you will be spoiled for choice. Come along and enjoy the fun! Call us on 07880 706 356 or email us here to book your break away today.
Book Now