Things to do in Islay

Top Things to Do in Islay

Things to Do in Islay


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Islay.

Top Attractions in Islay

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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What travellers are saying

  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Laphroaig is my favorite drink on earth, so I was overwhelmed by the opportunity to see the stills themselves. The tour here is remarkable -- we were led this time by Richard, a tall, slim encyclopaedia of company knowledge and procedure. The best part of all was sampling drams in the cask warehouse, a high point of my young life. Certainly make this a priority if you're on the island.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love Bruichladdich, they feel like a sparky start-up even though it's been around for decades. The tour is great: I booked a VIP walkaround with Ashley, a walking repository of company knowledge and procedure. She was dynamic and generous, engaging me like an actual person instead of just a warm body walking through a time-slot. I had a great experience, and the best part was the cask originals she decanted at the end, exclusive to this experience. If that's not enough to get you to go I have nothing else to say.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rebecca led our group through a comprehensive look at one of the finest whiskies on earth, and every step of the process was exhibited to get the best view of how this spirit gets to the bottle. The production floor is state of the art, and the expertise with how they design new expressions is stunning. If you're fortunate the tour will end on the back pier, with a stunning view of Port Ellen harbor.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I got an excellent tour through the facility by Kyle, who took great care to answer all my questions, but I have to admit that this visit jumped to another level when I paired the tour with a vault tasting experience. Mark the Viking sat me down and poured some earth-shattering drams which spanned recent history from bottles priced beyond the £1,000 range. We spoke for hours, giving each empty vessel time to dry out to smell how the flavor in the glass had changed. The plant is stunning, the people are great, and the taste is one of a kind.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • spc354
    Clarks Summit, PA573 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took public transportation. It is approximately halfway between Port Ellen and Port Askaig. We did not take the tour, but did the tasting at the bar in the visitor center Good selection available for sale.
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alan304
    Cranford, NJ1 524 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Instead of being located along the water to facilitate transport of their whisky, Kilchoman is located on a farm in the hills of Islay. The five mile drive on a single lane road through pastures with sheep and cattle is reason enough to visit. The staff have a strong sense of pride in their 100% Islay orientation. There also is a small cafe with surprisingly good sandwiches.
    Written 20 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patty R
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a lovely day with Donald in February 2024. Donald took us all over the western end of Islay which we had not seen before. We were able to see an amazing array of different types of birds and geese, red deer, black rabbits, and hare. We had a good walk along the coast even with the weather spilling on us. We totally enjoyed our time with Donald, He has a wealth of knowledge of habitats and animal behavior. Just a wonderful way to spend the day!
    Written 22 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alexander Woywodt
    Lancaster, UK327 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited in January 2024 for a smoke and peat tasting experience. Lovely atmosphere, one other visitor from Japan with whom I shared my oatcakes so that we did not have to drink on empty stomach. Tasted five whiskies that are artisanal Caol Ila so not in the shops. Very nice experience. Would have liked to learn more about Caol Ila
    Written 27 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sam Y
    Limavady, UK47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
  • larysa76
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great setting for a social history museum. A fantastic range of objects covering all the significant historical periods on Islay. Mention of famous names as well as those not so famous, and so many lovely stories about the objects. Three great quiz sheets challenged us and helped us better understand the displays. Fantastic staff, so welcoming and friendly. Lots of fun and a good afternoon out.
    Written 31 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alexander Woywodt
    Lancaster, UK327 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited this on our last morning on Islay. This is a bit out of the way beyong Laphroig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Beautiful cross and wonderful medieval graves. Also stunning stone work in the chapel showing a medieval warrior. Well worth the visit. Could do with some more information boards
    Written 27 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ash C
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The single highlight of our trip to Islay. Safe off road path which allowed us to visit the distilleries with organising transport and taking in beautiful scenery.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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