Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
Top Things to Do in Islay
Things to Do in Islay
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69 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Beaches • Scenic Walking Areas
Scenic Walking Areas
Speciality & Gift Shops • Coffee Shops
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Distilleries • Distillery Tours
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Fishing Charters & Tours • Private Tours
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Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Speciality & Gift Shops
What travellers are saying
- cbftigerNorwich, UK37 contributionsWe’d booked a cottage close to the church as hoped to explore the graveyard - I possibly have an ancestor buried there. Sadly, due to the state of the church, access is not possible and the graveyard is very overgrown. Can only peep over top of high wall. It’s a lovely spot all the same but wish something could be done to improve the access.Written 2 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DJM1945Montrose, UK1 939 contributionsThe drive to the village of Portnahaven along the coast was very scenic, and the village itself was amazingly photogenic. The Rhinns of Islay lighthouse is on a small island which we saw on our walk between Portnahaven and Port Wemyss and we also saw many seals near the coast.Written 21 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DJM1945Montrose, UK1 939 contributionsThis building now houses a variety of art products including superb prints, photographs with some framed and some non framed. There is also a framer on hand and coffee is available.Written 20 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CallumEdinburgh, UK482 contributionsSmall military cemetery well laid out with good interpretation. Unfortunately could not access close by Celtic cross.Written 9 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ScotlandmacGlasgow, UK13 825 contributionsThis is one of my favourite beaches on an island with some really great beaches.Mainly because it takes a 15 minute easy walk to reach so it always feels remote and empty and wild. Not many people make their way here, north of Portnahaven on the wild and empty west coast of the Rhinns.
There is limited parking at the side of a bumpy minor road to Octopad farm.Follow the farm track opposite this once parked and take the easiest grassy ground past cattle, towards the beach. It's an easy walk, a little downhill.
The beach is a corker and though very benign on our second visit, on our first the surf coming in was superb over the rocky coves to the south.
There is a great sweep of sand which is perfect for a stroll though perhaps not swimming as it shelves quickly.
We had a picnic here with the beach all to ourselves.Written 23 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mariatheplantgirlChester, UK117 contributionsI’m surprised there is not more written about accessing Beinn Bheigier. It’s the highest point on the Isle of Islay though at only 491m is basically a large wide hill and well worth the effort if the weather is good.
Easiest access is near Claggain Bay (very lovely) down another bumpy single track Islay road. There’s a small car parking area. Enter farm gate and follow the vehicle track for the first section of the walk. I read you can cut through to make this part shorter but that would mean stopping through endless heather and bog. The vehicle track ends and the next section is a walking through heather and bog .. would be tough going in bad weather and the path is there but not that clear.. on the return journey we really struggled to find the path even though it was a few metres away, due to the dense vegetation, lots of uneven ground and holes. When you get to the ascent, it is fairly straightforward. You’ll reach the top of the ledge and a cairn. This is not the summit! There’s another mile or so to traverse the top of the hill to reach the summit. There is a trig point and a sheltered area built of stone. Even in good weather, we had to check the map to ensure we were heading toward the summit on this last section. The views on a clear day are thrilling - amazing view of Jura and Kintyre and even Ireland and we thought we saw Ben Nevis. Stop at the beach on the way back to cool off!Written 24 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Alexander WoywodtLancaster, UK327 contributionsWe visited in January 2024. Easy to find on the main road with parking for 1 or 2 cars. Stunning medieval stonework. Small info board. Would be lovely if there was a website with good photos and more info as on a grey day its not easy to see allWritten 27 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FishnstitchCanberra, Australia919 contributionsFollow the road to the lighthouse and to the right of the car park is another path that leads to the Singing Sands. This walk is not so well sign posted and you do go through what appears to be private property. When you get to the final gate, turn right and head down to the beach. On the day we visited the sands weren't doing any singing. We met a lady at another site said that earlier in the day the sands sounded as though they were playing Amazing Grace.
My advice would be to wear decent walking shoes to get down to the Singing Sands. The walk is easy but a little slippery in the wet. The beach is beautiful and worth the visit.Written 14 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Francois TJohannesburg, South Africa955 contributionsNot a spectacular lighthouse itself but an easy walk and some very nice views from there. It was part of a tour stop for us and very informative by our tour guide from Islay Private Tours.Written 22 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tsubasa1 contributionI was very grateful to him. He asked for a hire car to tour the distilleries, but his job was not just to get to the distilleries. He guided us to various sights along the way and during free time between tours. He was very kind and told me a lot about Islay. I'm thinking of going to Islay again and asking him for a taxi.
Thank you Arthur.Written 29 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FishnstitchCanberra, Australia919 contributionsAt the end of Port Wemyss and across the bay is a Stevenson Lighthouse called Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse. The lighthouse is now fully automated and access to the island from Port Wemyss is limited; however the lighthouse does make an awesome backdrop for sunset photography.
On a really clear day you can see Ireland and the Mull of Kintyre from Port Wemyss.
Whilst you can not get across to the lighthouse the view at sunset is breathtaking.Written 12 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bill ScurryAmsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributionsIf I can rent a new e-bike while on holiday I'm gonna find a way to do that, and Gordon was able to arrange a week-long rental at quite a reasonable price. He's always reachable, and the location is a shipping-container off the beaten path in Port Ellen which serves as garage, shop, showroom, and office. I was able to cycle for miles on Gordon's well-maintained stock, I highly recommend this shingle.Written 17 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GreenCH2013Edinburgh, UK92 contributionsWe were having a family lunch and decided to go to Bridgend golf club and give them a try as it’s reopened for food. We had an excellent lunch . Food was great especially the gluten free fish options.Written 15 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alexander WoywodtLancaster, UK327 contributionsLovely ceramics we bought two dinner plates and ordered something else. Great colours and lots of variety. Very happy to recommend - also not far from the ferry at Port Askaig so great idea for last minute shoppingWritten 27 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.