Visiting Islay
Our visitors guide & distillery map of Islay will show you the best places to sample Islay whisky and learn about the island’s whisky heritage.
Islay attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its rugged beauty, rich history, welcoming community and, of course, its world famous whisky. The island has a long history that spans early Celtic settlers, Viking invasions, and a thriving Gaelic culture. Today, people visit Islay for its stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and world-renowned whisky distilleries, which produce some of Scotland’s finest single malts.
Why visit Islay?
The scenic beauty of Islay is worth a trip in itself. The island has a magnificent landscape – rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rolling hills and peat bogs. The landscape has a distinct beauty and provides ideal conditions for whisky production! Walking the island, you will get a vivid understanding of how Islay’s coastal environment and the peaty soil combine to contribute to the distinctive flavours of the whiskies, which often carry hints of salt, seaweed, and smoke. And whether you are a true whisky connoisseur or just want to learn a bit more about it, Islay is the perfect setting in which to experience Scotland’s whisky heritage.
Why will whisky lovers love visiting Islay?
Islay is considered one of the top international whisky destinations for whisky lovers due to its smoky, peated whiskies’ unique and powerful character and rich distilling heritage.
Fèis Ìle
Islay has a small, friendly, welcoming community deeply rooted in the whisky tradition. The island holds an annual festival celebrating island life called Fèis Ìle. This is a week-long whisky, music and cultural festival where each distillery opens its doors for exclusive tastings, tours, and events. Fèis Ìle attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience Islay’s whisky culture and Gaelic traditions firsthand.
Distillery Tours
If you cannot make it to Islay for the festival, whisky lovers should visit one or more of the island’s distilleries. There is an extensive choice of whisky experiences on offer to suit all levels of knowledge, from novices to international connoisseurs.
How many distilleries are there on Islay?
Whisky on Islay has a long history. At one point there were more than 20 legal, working distilleries on the island. There are now ten working distilleries on the island, including legends like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin. In recent years, newer distilleries have joined the scene, the latest being Ardnahoe in 2018 and Port Ellen which reopened in 2024. Between them they ensure that Islay produces some of the most distinctive single malts in the world.
Each distillery has its own unique approach to whisky-making, creating a range of flavours from intensely smoky and medicinal to subtly maritime.
Distillery Map Islay
Exploring Islay’s Whisky Heritage
Visitors wanting to explore the taste of Islay’s whisky tradition have a number of options:
Islay Festival: This annual event – Fèis Ìle – is a draw for whisky lovers from around the globe but offers so much more – music, culture and a warm welcome. Book tickets and travel as early as possible – it sells out quickly each year.
Distillery Tours allow you to see the entire whisky making process up close, from start to finish. Some tours are better than others, so do your research before booking unless you are planning to do them all!
Cask Tastings: Whisky tasting straight from the cask – stronger than bottled versions, so don’t plan on driving afterwards.
Tasting Flights: Sample 3–5 drams for a small fee to get a sense of a distillery’s range. You will also find plenty of pubs and bars on Islay that offer Whisky Tasting Flights.
Booking Tips: Islay festival tickets go fast and even regular distillery tours fill up fast, so book well in advance to avoid missing out. Despite its remote location, Islay attracts many whisky lovers, so plan and book early!
Watch the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s film about the most famous whisky island in the world.
The Islay Whisky Festival, known as Fèis Ìle, is an annual celebration of whisky, culture, and music that draws enthusiasts from around the world. Held in late May, the festival spans a week. It is hosted across Islay’s iconic distilleries, including Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, and Bowmore, each dedicating a day to showcase its unique whiskies.
During Fèis Ìle, each distillery offers exclusive tours, tastings, and the chance to purchase special festival bottlings, often released just for this occasion. The festival also includes ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dances), live music, and events celebrating Gaelic culture, making it a lively way to get a taste for traditional island life. This is a rare opportunity for whisky fans to connect with master distillers and like-minded whisky lovers in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Many return year after year.
Tips for Visitors to Fèis Ìle
For those planning to attend, early preparation is essential. Accommodation on Islay is limited, and places fill up quickly for the festival week. Whether you plan to stay in a hotel, B&B, or campsite, it’s wise to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The same goes for ferry reservations. Caledonian MacBrayne ferries run between Kennacraig and Islay’s ports, but these become especially busy during Fèis Ìle. Ferries sell out at festival time and this is especially important if you’re driving, as vehicle spaces are limited.
Most distilleries require advance booking for their tours and tastings, and popular events sell out fast. Keep an eye on the Fèis Ìle website for the festival schedule and book directly with the distilleries as soon as reservations open. If you miss out on tours, don’t worry—many distilleries hold open events and tastings throughout the week that don’t require booking.
Islay’s weather can be unpredictable in May, so bring plenty of layers, waterproofs and weatherproof shoes. If you plan to cycle or walk between distilleries, the ‘Three Distilleries’ path (connecting Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg) offers a scenic and safe route.
The Three Distilleries Path
The ‘Three Distilleries’ cycle and footpath on Islay is a popular scenic route connecting three iconic whisky distilleries: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. The path is approximately 5 km (3 miles) long and runs along Islay’s southern coast. The footpath began as a way to improve safety and access for visitors walking between these distilleries. The route was officially opened in 2016, providing a dedicated pathway separated from the main road so cyclists and walkers can visit three of the island’s distilleries safely.
Starting from Port Ellen, the path follows the A846 and leads first to one of the most famous on the island, Laphroaig Distillery. Continuing along the path, walkers reach Lagavulin Distillery, established in 1816. The distillery itself offers beautiful views over Lagavulin Bay. The final stop on the route is Ardbeg Distillery, another historic distillery dating back to 1815.
This path doesn’t just offer access to whisky; it also provides stunning views of Islay’s coastline, with chances to see wildlife, including seabirds and, on occasion, seals. The ‘Three Distilleries’ path is a fantastic way to explore Islay’s whisky heritage while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of this Hebridean island.
Islay’s Distilleries
Islay is home to ten working distilleries, each offering unique flavours heavily influenced by the island’s coastal environment. Islay produces the most heavily peated (smoky) Scotch in the world and anyone travelling to Scotland but each distillery on Islay brings its own unique interpretation of Islay’s distinctive style. Here’s an overview of each distillery, its history, and its whisky:
Ardbeg Distillery
Ardbeg Distillery, situated on Islay’s southern coast, began its whisky production in 1815. Known for its rich, peaty profile, Ardbeg has experienced both high demand and difficult times, including a period of closure in the 1980s. In the late 1990s, Glenmorangie revitalised the distillery under new ownership, which restored its facilities and boosted production. Ardbeg is famous for its intensely smoky whiskies, which combine heavy peat with complex layers of sweetness and citrus. Fans of bold, distinctive whiskies love Ardbeg’s powerful expressions, such as the Ardbeg 10-Year-Old and Corryvreckan, both known for their depth and peaty punch.
Ardnahoe Distillery
Remote Ardnahoe Distillery is situated on the northeast coast of Islay, between the Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain distilleries. There are breathtaking views from the Distillery across the Sound of Islay to Jura. Ardnahoe is owned by the Hunter Laing family. It is a newer addition to Islay’s whisky scene and first opened its doors in 2018. The distillery’s design reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and features worm tub condensers and wooden washbacks, which contribute to a classic, rich style.
Ardnahoe produces a peated whisky which balances the island’s signature smoky character with smooth, fruity undertones. Though still establishing its core range, Ardnahoe is already gaining attention for its commitment to traditional methods and its careful selection of peated malt.
Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore Distillery, founded in 1779, is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay and one of Scotland’s most historic whisky producers. Located in the town of Bowmore, it sits on the shores of Loch Indaal. Bowmore is unique for maintaining traditional practices, including its own malting floor. Here, the barley is hand-turned to produce the desired peat smoke. Bowmore whisky is known for its balance between peat and fruit, often with notes of honey. Bowmore’s well-rounded, medium-peated style makes it a favourite among those who appreciate Islay’s smoky character in a more subtle form.
Bruichladdich Distillery
Bruichladdich Distillery was established in 1881 and is another distillery located on the shores of Loch Indaal. After several closures and changes in ownership, the distillery was revived in 2001 by a group of passionate investors. Using traditional distillation methods, Bruichladdich produces a range of innovative whiskies that retain a distinct Islay feel. However, unlike most Islay distilleries, Bruichladdich’s core whisky is unpeated, emphasising fruity, floral notes with a smooth, complex profile. However, it also produces two peated ranges: Port Charlotte, which is heavily peated, and Octomore, known as one of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
Bunnahabhain Distillery was founded in 1881. You will find it on the rugged northeastern coast of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay. Bunnahabhain primarily produces unpeated single malts which sets it apart from many of the island’s malts. The distillery was established to cater to the blending industry but gained popularity in its own right over the years for its unique, gentle style. This style is exemplified in their popular Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old. Today, Bunnahabhain is celebrated for crafting complex, elegant whiskies that appeal to those who prefer an Islay whisky with a lighter touch of peat.
Caol Ila Distillery
Caol Ila Distillery, founded in 1846, is nestled on Islay’s northeastern coast near Port Askaig, offering stunning views of the Paps of Jura across the Sound of Islay. Over the years, Caol Ila has become one of the largest distilleries on the island, known for producing both single malts and providing whisky for popular blends like Johnnie Walker. Its single malts are typically lighter in style than other Islay whiskies, with a characteristic smoky profile balanced by fresh, coastal notes. Caol Ila whiskies often showcase flavours of citrus, apple, and soft, grassy peat, making them approachable yet distinctly Islay. This style makes Caol Ila an excellent introduction to peated whiskies, appealing to both newcomers and Islay aficionados seeking a balanced, maritime influence in their whisky.
Kilchoman Distillery
Kilchoman Distillery, established in 2005, is one of the youngest and most unique distilleries on Islay. Located on a working farm near Machir Bay, Kilchoman is Islay’s only farm distillery, growing and malting its own barley on-site. This commitment to traditional methods and local ingredients has allowed Kilchoman to craft a distinctly Islay whisky with a farm-to-bottle philosophy. Kilchoman’s style is typically peaty and smoky, balanced by a vibrant freshness and underlying sweetness. Its whiskies often showcase flavours of vanilla, citrus, and coastal salt.
Lagavulin Distillery
Lagavulin Distillery, founded in 1816 on Islay’s southern coast, is one of the island’s most famous whisky producers. Lagavulin is known for producing rich, heavily peated single malts that reflect the bold character of Islay whisky. The distillery is also known for its slow distillation process, responsible for the depth and complexity of its whiskies. Lagavulin’s signature 16-Year-Old is celebrated worldwide for its intense smoky flavour, combined with layers of dried fruit, maritime salt, and a subtle sweetness that balances the peat. The distillery also releases limited-edition bottlings, often cask-strength, allowing enthusiasts to explore its powerful, smoky style in various expressions.
Laphroaig Distillery
Laphroaig Distillery, founded in 1815, is another famous Islay distillery. Laphroaig has a loyal following and is known for its robust flavours. Laphroaig produces some of the peatiest whiskies on the island. During Prohibition in the U.S., it was allowed as “medicinal whisky”!
The distillery’s style is very distinctive, often described as medicinal and maritime. Strong flavours of seaweed, iodine, and salt blend with the rich peat. Laphroaig’s whiskies are not for everyone but very much appreciated by those who enjoy a powerful, smoky dram. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old, its flagship expression, is a perfect example to try.
Port Ellen Distillery
The original Port Ellen Distillery, located on the southern coast of Islay, dates back to 1825. Originally founded by Alexander MacKay, the distillery underwent multiple changes in ownership and expansion phases until it was closed in 1983, a casualty of declining demand for heavily peated styles of whisky.
However, despite, or perhaps in spite of, its closure, Port Ellen’s remaining stocks became highly sought after by whisky collectors and connoisseurs who valued its complex layers of maritime and subtle citrus notes.
In 2017, Diageo announced plans to revive Port Ellen, with the new production expected to stay true to the original spirit’s distinctive, rich peat character. The distillery reopened in March 2024 creating much excitement among whisky lovers eager to experience a modern revival of this historic Islay distillery.
Book a tour on the Port Ellen Distillery website
Best whisky bars on Islay
Islay boasts several traditional pubs, restaurants and hotel bars where you can enjoy whisky tastings in authentic Scottish settings and meet the locals. Drop into one of the traditional bars on the island and you will find a vast range of Islay malts on offer and most will have knowledgeable staff to guide your selection. Here are some not to miss:
Bowmore Hotel
Bowmore
All the staff at the friendly and relaxed Whisky Bar at the Bowmore Hotel have good whisky knowledge and are happy to advise on your selection. But for a real connoisseur’s experience, book a personal session with Peter (Jnr).
Peter’s parents bought the Bowmore hotel, restaurant and bar at the end of 1984, with the whisky bar added about 18 years ago. For the last 5 years they have only stocked exclusive Islay and Jura malts. They now have an incredible 1400 different ones on the bar and around another 200 different ones in cabinet all for drinking.
The restaurant also uses fresh local seafood from around the waters of islay and fresh local meats also from our locals farms and estates. There is regular live traditional music at the bar.
Port Askaig Hotel Old Port Bar
Port Askaig, Islay
The Old Port Bar, dating back to the 16th Century, was originally a drovers’ inn (a rest stop for people driving their livestock to market). It is thought to be the oldest continually licensed bar on Islay and occupies possibly the best coastal location on the island.
It was built where it is because the short crossing to Jura was the main way off the island for the animals which had to be sold at the markets in Falkirk and Stirling on the mainland. A large percentage of them were actually swum across the Sound of Islay.
Today, the bar, with its low ceiling, log fire, and traditional decor, is still a cosy stop for locals and travellers. It has a collection of old and rare whisky bottles on display and carries an extensive selection of Islay malts—now complemented by Islay and Jura Rums and Gins.
Home cooked breakfasts, lunches and evening meals are available to non residents, with local seafood a popular house speciality. You can catch live music here occasionally – sometimes planned, often not – musicians are always welcome. The Spears family have owned the hotel since 1958. As a native, Marion the Landlady is very proud to be an ‘Islay Landlady’ – a rare breed these days – and very much enjoys sharing stories of the island with her guests.
Duffy’s Bar at the Lochside
Bowmore
Nestled on the shore of Loch Indaal in the heart of Bowmore – just a few steps from Bowmore Distillery, The Lochside is an Islay institution which has been warmly welcoming guests since 1884. Retaining its historic charm, this independently-owned inn has a bustling bar with an incredible collection of more than 200 whiskies. From cracking core drams to one-off moments in time, The Lochside’s extensive whisky range captures all that makes Islay whisky so special. Their friendly and knowledgeable team are happy to chat with you about whisky and create bespoke whisky flights to suit your preferences and budget; there’s also a selection of fantastic whisky cocktails.
Alongside whisky, The Lochside offers a great range of craft gins and rums from Islay, Jura and beyond; draught beers and bottled beers and ciders – including alcohol-free options; and a wonderful wine list.
The inn also has a restaurant serving fantastic food showcasing the freshest local produce. There are incredible views from the restaurant of Bowmore’s picturesque harbour and Loch Indaal.
Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant
Main St, Ballygrant
With views out to the Paps Jura, the bar at the Ballygrant Inn and Restaurant is a picturesque setting for whisky tasting. It has won numerous awards as a whisky bar. Ballygrant Inn offers a selection of over 900 whiskies from Islay and further afield. A log burner in the bar gives it a cosy feel on cooler nights. There is a full whisky menu with tasting notes available to guide you.
Port Charlotte Hotel
Port Charlotte
Located in a beachfront location in Port Charlotte village, this hotel bar has been named one of Europe’s top whisky bars by the Whisky Society. It hosts an impressive whisky selection and frequently hosts live traditional music sessions in the summer months. Its traditional decor, with low wooden beams, a bespoke carved wooden bar and roaring open fire, make it an atmospheric spot to taste Islay’s whiskies. You can also sample local gins and ales. Excellent bar meals are available. Open throughout the year.
Lochindaal Hotel Bar
Port Charlotte, Islay
The family run Lochindaal Hotel has been in the MacLellan family for generations. It features two bars, each offering an impressive collection of rare Islay and other malt whiskies. The Lochindaal’s whisky collection was started by the landlord’s aunt in the 1930’s.
The public bar includes a pool table and dartboard, while the lounge bar has a cosy open fire. The restaurant serves fresh, local, seasonal food and is famous for its seafood platter. It gets very busy in the summer months so booking is essential. The bar is open throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Islay
The best time to visit Islay as a whisky lover is in late May, during the Fèis Ìle, the annual Islay Whisky Festival. This is the ultimate chance to meet distillers, sample rare whiskies, and immerse yourself in Islay’s whisky and Gaelic culture.
Late May and June often see the most sunshine on the island. The later summer months can be a little warmer, but are often cloudier than late spring and early summer.
Visiting Islay in Spring and Autumn
Outside of the festival, the shoulder seasons of spring (April–early May) and autumn (September–October) are also excellent times to visit. In spring, the island comes alive with wildflowers, and the weather, while changeable, can be mild. Distilleries tours and tastings are easier to book outside of the peak season.
Autumn is a fantastic time to enjoy the island’s coastal views and whisky by a warm fire. Bars and restaurants remain open but are less busy and its a great time to meet and chat to locals. If you’re looking to avoid busy periods entirely, winter is peaceful, though some distilleries may have reduced hours or limited access. It can be cold and windy in Winter and there are even fewer camping facilities available so probably not the best time to visit in a campervan.
Getting There By Ferry: Kennacraig to Islay
To reach Islay from the Scottish mainland take a ferry from Kennacraig, located on the Kintyre Peninsula. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates regular ferry services from Kennacraig to Islay’s ports, Port Ellen and Port Askaig. The journey takes around two hours, offering beautiful views of the Hebridean waters along the way.
Ferry tickets can be booked in advance on the CalMac website. Given Islay’s popularity, especially during the summer and whisky festival season, it’s wise to book tickets early. The ferry accommodates both vehicles and foot passengers, but vehicle spaces fill up quickly, so it’s crucial to reserve a spot well in advance if you’re bringing a campervan.
Plan your journey to Kennacraig with time to spare, especially as rural roads can be slower than expected. Check the weather forecast, as adverse conditions can sometimes affect ferry services.
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