Islay Whisky Distilleries
If you’re a whisky connoisseur, then a visit to the Islay whisky distilleries should be top of your agenda. There are 9 working Scottish whisky distilleries on the 619.6 km² Isle of Islay. And a hop and a skip across the water and you can visit the Isle of Jura distillery too.
Ardbeg Distillery
This distillery has a very well-stocked shop and an excellent café that is a popular choice for lunch. www.ardbeg.com Call 01496 302244 for more information.
Ardnahoe Distillery
And if you want to visit the youngest distillery then head along to Ardnahoe. A dream of a Scottish family came to fruition when its first runs of distillation began in October 2018. Head along and take part in a tour to hear the interesting story behind this new distillery. And all topped off with some tastings at the end. Furthermore, you can enjoy some food in their restaurant whilst overlooking the Sounds of Jura. www.ardnahoedistillery.com Call 01496 840777 for more information.
Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore Whisky Distillery was founded in 1779 and is the oldest of the Islands distilleries. A minute’s walk from our Dundonald accommodation, it is well worth a visit. Details of tour times and what’s on can be found at www.bowmore.com Call 01496 810441 for more information.
Bruichladdich Distillery
This very active distillery has popular tours, on the road to Port Charlotte overlooking Lochindaal. A well-stocked shop with a varied choice of whisky means you can easily pick up souvenirs for loved ones. www.bruichladdich.com Call 01496 850190 for more information.
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Bunnahabhain Distillery
Probably the most remote of the island’s distilleries, Bunnahabhain is situated on the shore beside the Sound of Islay. Less peaty than other Islay malts, this as a unique flavour. Take the turning on the left before Caol Ila passing Persabus Pottery to find this distillery. However, tours by appointment only so book ahead. www.bunnahabain.com Call 01496 840646 for more information.
Caol Ila Distillery
Beautifully situated on the Sound of Islay with views to the Paps of Jura, this just up the coast from the ferry terminal at Port Askaig. Tours by appointment only so book ahead. www.discovering-distilleries.com/caolila Call 01496 302769 for more information.
Kilchoman Distillery
Islay’s the second newest distillery on the island, being founded in 2005 and it offers a thoroughly interesting tour where you take in all stages of the whisky-making process. Five minutes from Kilchoman House and Cottages, you could easily walk if required. Its café also makes it a perfect spot for lunch. www.kilchomandistillery.com Call 01496 850011 for more information.
Lagavulin Distillery
Next along the road heading east from Port Ellen, tours by appointment only. It is in a wonderful setting with yachts often anchored in the bay and views over to Dunyvaig Castle. Warehouseman’s Tasting is particularly recommended. www.discovering-distilleries.com/lagavulin Call 01496 302749 for more information.
Laphroaig Distillery
Excellent visitor centre with regular tours, which are worth booking in advance. Whilst visiting you can become “A Friend of Laphroaig” and place your flag on your own square foot of Islay before enjoying a complimentary dram. www.laphroaig.com Call 01496 302418 for more information.
Jura Distillery
Worth a visit even if simply for the ferry trip to Jura. The distillery is in Craighouse, the main village which is a fifteen-minute drive from the ferry. www.jurawhisky.com Call 01496 820385 for more information.
Get in touch today…
So if you are looking for things to do in Islay and want to find out all about Islay whisky then you are now well equipped. To find out more about our Islay whisky distilleries or if you want to know more about our Islay Cottages then get in touch with us today or call us on 07880 706 356. We look forward to hearing from you!
Everything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.
The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)
There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.
Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.
