Finlaggan
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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  • Eric L
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic medieval experience
    Great trip to the visitor centre and a walk out to Eilean Mor to look at the buildings. The visitor centre in particular was very good indeed, the girl who works there, Joanne, was very engaging and knowledgeable about the history of the site and could answer all our questions. The interactive VR exhibit is great and gives a great idea of what the site would have looked at when inhabited.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 13 April 2023
  • nicholasfI7659MO
    Tarporley, United Kingdom385 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magical history.
    Excellent visitor centre run by a very nice lady, she gave us a very good talk about the history of the Lord of the Isles. I was blown away by the magnificent setting. I wished my mobility would have allowed me to go the loch for a closer look at the remains of the palace. But if you are similarly affected, enjoy the view from the centre. Try the virtual reality if you are able to, that makes a physical tour almost unnecessary.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 7 June 2023
  • Dawn L
    Derby, United Kingdom43 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I could spend a lot of time here.
    The setting is beautiful, sheltered and peaceful. Very evocative. It's easy to get a feel for how a succession of generations and rules could have operated from here. There's just a nice amount of information in the visitor center and on the info boards around the site. The Guide is fairly new and, although friendly, is a bit wedded to her 'script' but hopefully she'll relax and interact in conversation a bit more easily as she grows in confidence.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles326 reviews
Excellent
184
Very good
116
Average
20
Poor
3
Terrible
3

Sam Y
Limavady, UK47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
This is a phenomenal site, so important in the history not just of Islay but of the whole West Coast of Scotland and across to the North Coast of Ireland in what was Dal Riada. Fascinating and I had a great chat with the staff member who was on that day (really sorry I didn't get her name).
Definitely worth a visit. And you can borrow wellies if it's too wet underfoot! Maith Sibh!!!
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chiclid
Perth, UK125 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Very interesting visit to an ancient site full of history. We had not realised the significance of this place before visiting. The lady who was on duty was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Well worth a visit
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marvin K
Koudekerk aan den Rijn, The Netherlands224 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Solo
Charming historic site and ideal for a short visit. Nice ruins and a nice visitor center. Did no5 expect this at all. Nice little walk to the ruins. Not strenuous
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dawn L
Derby, UK43 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
The setting is beautiful, sheltered and peaceful. Very evocative. It's easy to get a feel for how a succession of generations and rules could have operated from here. There's just a nice amount of information in the visitor center and on the info boards around the site. The Guide is fairly new and, although friendly, is a bit wedded to her 'script' but hopefully she'll relax and interact in conversation a bit more easily as she grows in confidence.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stuart G
Dundee, UK14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
This was a great visit.

Careful on the road approaching. Stick to the 10mph limit, especially if you don't have a 4x4. You should anyway because there's sheep kicking about all over the place!

The small visitor centre is really nice with replica artefacts and a cool VR experience to show what the area looked like 500 years ago. Knowledgeable and attentive staff/guides who had plenty of time to explain the history.

Walking down to the ruins (make sure you have midge repellant on) is uneven and on a trodden grass path. The ruins are over a well constructed wooden bridge.

The history and what's left of the settlement felt atmospheric to me, and even my kids (4, 8, and 10) took an interest in what everything was and why the settlement was there.

I am surprised this historical site isn't more advertised and much higher up on the list of "things to do" on Islay; or even "in Scotland." Fantastic history here.

There was a sign that said the site receives no funding, which is a real concern in terms of where heritage and historic trust funds go in Scotland.

Well done to those who keep it going!
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nicholasfI7659MO
Tarporley, UK385 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
Excellent visitor centre run by a very nice lady, she gave us a very good talk about the history of the Lord of the Isles. I was blown away by the magnificent setting. I wished my mobility would have allowed me to go the loch for a closer look at the remains of the palace. But if you are similarly affected, enjoy the view from the centre. Try the virtual reality if you are able to, that makes a physical tour almost unnecessary.
Written 7 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Susan C
Islay, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
If you want to know the history of the Lord of the Isles and the starting place of all MacDonald's in the world, this is the place to be.
What a stunning location hidden off the main road, an absolute gem!
The visitor centre is well equipped with knowledgeable staff on call and more than happy to tell you all you need to know. There is a virtual reality set up (which is brilliant) for you to see what Finlaggan Island looked like back in the day before becoming ruined.
Written 26 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alan C
Glasgow, UK127 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Friends
Great visit to this historical site. Joanne who works there was so friendly and helpful and offered a fantastic amount of information, history and knowledge of this historical gem. Her enthusiasm made the visit even more enjoyable.
The VR headset is a great addition to the visitor centre and at £4/ adult, its well worth every penny. Walk onto the island via the new walkway and you can walk among the ruins of the houses that once stood there. A must visit on a trip to Islay.
Written 16 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eric L
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Friends
Great trip to the visitor centre and a walk out to Eilean Mor to look at the buildings. The visitor centre in particular was very good indeed, the girl who works there, Joanne, was very engaging and knowledgeable about the history of the site and could answer all our questions. The interactive VR exhibit is great and gives a great idea of what the site would have looked at when inhabited.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Glenys W
Manchester, UK84 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
Lovely visitor centre, new walkway has been built now so a very easy walk to see the ruins. Beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife en route.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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FINLAGGAN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Finlaggan