Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? Then this page is hopefully right for you. Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. Clicking on a question will take you to the answer for the question, use the back button of your browser to return to the top:
Islay in General - The Questions
Islay Books / Islay Maps / Islay Guides - The Questions
Travelling to Islay / Getting around on Islay - The Questions
Islay Single Malt Whisky and the Distilleries - The Questions
Visiting Islay / Facilities on Islay - The Questions
Further information and help - The Questions
So far the questions, here are the answers:
Islay in General - The Answers
Where is Islay?
- Islay is the most southerly of the Hebridean islands off the west coast of Scotland. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. Oh, and a good 2000 miles to the west you'll end up in Newfoundland and Labrador on the other side of the Atlantic. For a map and to look around try Isle of Islay on Google Maps
How do you pronounce Islay?
- Islay is pronounced ‘eye-la’. Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. In any case Islay is the anglicised spelling, the Gaelic version is Ile. And once you've mastered Islay you can try some of the many place names on Islay with Gaelic origins like Kilchoman (hint: the c is silent, i.e Kilhoman), Bunnahabhain or Beinn Bheigeir.
What is Islay famous for?
- Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs.
How is the weather on Islay?
- The weather on Islay can be described as moderate, mainly because of the Gulf Stream. There aren't any real extremes, i.e you won't often experience scorching hot days during the summer or freezing cold days during the winter (the winter storms can be quite strong though). Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. As in most places in Scotland the weather can change very quickly, so be prepared when going for a walk. For the latest forecast try the 5 day forecast for Bowmore from BBC Weather
Which languages do they speak on Islay?
- As Islay is in Scotland which in turn is part of the United Kingdom the official language is English, to a lesser or larger extent with a Scottish accent/dialect. Quite a few people also speak Scottish Gaelic, which is taught at schools and at the Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (Columba Centre) near Bowmore.
Islay Books / Islay Maps / Islay Guides - The Answers
Are there any books about Islay?
Which maps should I use on Islay?
- The type of map you need depends on what you plan to do on Islay: If you only plan to visit the distilleries and other major tourist attractions, any decent road map or tourist map should be sufficient.
If you plan to go walking you need something better: For an easy walk the Islay (Landranger Maps) (1:50,000 scale) should be sufficient. Should you plan to take to the hills or more remote areas you'll need the OS Explorer Maps (1:25,000 scale): Islay South (Explorer 352) and Islay North (Explorer 353). For excursions to the Isle of Jura you'll need Jura and Scarba (Explorer 355). Oh, and obviously you should know how to use them and a compass!
Is there an Islay guide I can print off and take with me?
- Yes, there is. I've developed a printable Islay guide (PDF file) which you can download and print off to take with you. Visit the page to download the latest edition.
Travelling to Islay / Getting around on Islay - The Answers
How do I get to Islay?
There are a number of options to get to Islay:
- Driving with your own car (or a rental car) is a good option. Travelling by car and ferry (from Kennacraig) it should take approximately 4 1/2 hours to/from Glasgow (2 1/2 hours for the approx 100 mile drive and 2 hours for the ferry crossing). This depends on how quick you travel though, you might want to stop on the way to visit places like Loch Lomond or Inveraray (e.g. Inveraray Castle or Inveraray Jail). Especially during the season you should book your ferry passage ahead, ideally a few weeks before you plan to travel. Time tables and online booking can be found on the Calmac website.
- Travelling by bus and ferry is an option a number of people choose. Citylink operates a regular service from/ to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to the Kennacraig Ferry Terminal. Make sure that your outbound journey links up with a ferry departure, the ferry terminal is just that, nothing else. There are no facilities (e.g. accommodation, food) within easily walkable distance!
- There is a regular plane service from Glasgow International Airport (GLA) (note: This is not the same as Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), which a lot of budget airlines use) to Islay Airport (ILY), also known as Glenegedale Airport. The route is currently served by British Airways.
- If you have your own boat you can also arrive by boat, your best option is probably the Port Ellen Marina
- If you need a car on Islay there is the option of a rental car on Islay. Unfortunately not available online, but you can contact D & N MacKenzie on +44-(0)1496-302300
How do I drive around on Islay?
- Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. The A846 between Port Ellen and Bowmore (also known as Low Road) looks deceptively straight and fast on a map, but as it ‘floats’ on the peat it is quite ‘bumpy’ and you can't drive as fast as you might think. Also keep in mind that farm animals might slow you down on almost any road on Islay.
- The main routes are the A846 from Port Ellen to Port Askaig passing Bowmore and Bridgend on the way and the A847 from Bridgend to Port Charlotte passing through Bruichladdich. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg.
- All other roads are single track roads with passing places, including the B8016 (also known as High Road) from Port Ellen to Bowmore, the B8018 from near Bruichladdich to Kilchoman and the stretch of the A847 from Port Charlotte to Portnahaven. Adjust your driving style and speed accordingly.
Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay?
- When you drive around on Islay you'll notice that quite a few people will give you a short wave when you're passing. Some will just lift a finger, others the whole hand. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. Just join in, you'll soon pick it up and enjoy it.
How can I get around on Islay without a car?
Visiting Islay without a car is possible and there are various ways to get around without a car:
- As Islay is mostly quite flat (apart from the very steep hill at Port Askaig) cycling is a good option (unless the wind stops you in your tracks). You can either bring your own bike or rent one on Islay.
- While certainly not as frequent as in an urban area there is a regular bus service between the major villages. The service links Portnahaven, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bowmore and Port Ellen.
- A taxi service is available from Carol's Cabs, call +44-(0)777-5782155 or +44-(0)1496-302155.
Islay Single Malt Whisky and the Distilleries - The Answers
How many distilleries are there on Islay?
Can I visit the distilleries? Do they offer tours?
- The answer is yes to both. All of the distilleries have a visitor centre in some form, some with a shop and restaurant, some just a small reception. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. It is recommended to book for a tour to avoid disappointment, your best option is to contact/call the distilleries (details are usually available on their websites).
I don't like whisky. Can I get a beer instead?
- Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: Islay Ales was opened in 2004 and is brewing a variety of Real Ales. You can find the brewery with its small visitor centre on Islay House Square, Bridgend. The beer is available in most pubs and restaurants on Islay.
Visiting Islay / Facilities on Islay - The Answers
What is there to do on Islay, which activities can I enjoy during a visit to Islay?
Is there anything to do on a rainy day on Islay?
All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay?
- There's a quite a variety of places where you can get something to eat: All the hotels offer food, most people I know say the food at the Port Charlotte Hotel is the best on Islay. Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. Excellent lunches can be enjoyed in the Old Kiln Cafe at Ardbeg Distillery. In Portnahaven head for the An Tigh Seinnse pub for a pint and some food. For Indian food you can chose between the Maharani Restaurant in Port Ellen or the Taj Mahal Restaurant in Bowmore. In other words, quite a lot of choice.
I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay?
- There are a number of options where to stay on Islay, from the luxurious to the budget option. Islay has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. You can find links to a number of places in the Accommodation on Islay section of my Islay links page.
I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay?
- In particular if you are staying in self-catering accommodation you might need to know where you can get your (grocery) shopping done. The largest shop on Islay is the Co-Op in Bowmore. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. A small delicatessen shop can be found at Kilchoman Distillery.
Where can I fill up my car? Where do I find petrol stations on Islay?
- There are five petrol stations (or gas stations for Americans) on Islay I can think of: Port Ellen (on Charlotte Street next to the White Hart Hotel), Bowmore (Jamieson Street, off Main Street), Bridgend (right at the square), Port Charlotte (next to the Spar shop/ post office on Main Street) and Port Askaig (next to the waiting area for the Kennacraig ferry).
Where can I access the internet on Islay?
- There are a number of options to access the internet on Islay: The easiest is probably the The MacTaggart Community Cybercafé at 30 Mansefield Place in Port Ellen, Islay. From the ferry terminal walk along Frederick Crescent, just past the Co-op turn left into Mansfield Road. At the first junction turn right, you should then see it on the left hand side.
Broadband has been available on Islay for a few years now, some accommodation providers now provide wireless internet access. Check on their website or ask them when booking.
Where can I get cash on Islay? Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay?
- Yes, there are a number of banks on Islay, some also providing a cash machine:
Royal Bank of Scotland, Bowmore (Tel. +44(0)1496-810555) is on Main Street at the square. Cash machine available.
Bank of Scotland, Bowmore (Tel. +44(0)1496-810285) is on Shore Street at the corner with Hawthorn Lane. Cash machine available.
Royal Bank of Scotland, Port Ellen (Tel. +44(0)1496-302314) is on Frederick Crescent near School Street.
Further information and help - The Answers
I still have questions, where can I get answers?
- If I haven't answered your questions here feel free to send me an e-mail. I'll do my best to answer your question, just keep in mind that I run this site in my spare time. For other inquiries about visiting Islay you might want to contact the Islay-Jura Tourist Information Centre in Bowmore, their telephone number is +44-(0)1496-810254, their fax number is +44-(0)1496-810363. For more reading about Islay you might be interested in visiting IslayBlog.com, a blog about the Isle of Islay, Scotland.
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