Explore Islay & Jura

23/03/2025

Islay and Jura are perfect places for a family holiday.

With long stretches of sandy beaches, plenty of rocky pools to explore and hunt for crabs and other sea creatures, swimming in the clear waters, snorkelling to discover the colourful underwater world of seaweeds and anemones.

Find out more about what's in the sea and on the land at the Islay Natural History Trust in Port Charlotte. Kids can explore some sea creatures, like lobster and crab, in the tanks and there are walks, talks and activities throughout the summer season. Visit the RSPB centre at Gruinart to find out more about what birds you might see and how to spot them, there's a lovely little walk through the woods there too, with signs of things to spot along the way. Take a walk up to the Oa monument or along Kilnaughton beach to the square lighthouse Carraig Fhada lighthouse at Port Ellen and you might spot the wild goats.
Walk over to the singing sands - if the wind is right they might hear the sands 'sing' as you walk along.

Islay has a few cycle paths which make a safe place for children to get on two wheels. Try the three distilleries path form Port Ellen to Ardbeg or the Port Charlotte to Bruichladdich path.

Whilst there are some gorgeous golf courses for the grown ups (at The Machrie and on Jura) there's plenty of family fun to be had on the putting green at Bridgend.

Kids can get creative at Persabus Pottery and try their hand at pottery painting or get a kit to take back to where you are staying to paint at home. It can later be fired in the kiln and collected or posted back.

The Museum of Islay Life explores the history of the island and has some fantastic artefacts. Over on Jura there is a collection of old photos in a room just behind the church in Craighouse which show what life used to be like on the island. Today's kids might have much more to do than the children depicted in some of these pictures, but one thing remains a joy to kids down the ages - buying a fishing line and trying to catch a fish or a crab off a pier. You'll find plenty of places on Islay and Jura to buy a crab line or an inexpensive rod to have a go at catching supper.

The leisure pool in Bowmore is a great place for to pass a few hours letting the kids have a swim - if the sea is too rough or too cold!

For older kids and teenagers fat biking, clay pigeon shooting are likely to appeal, and kids of all ages enjoy the boat trips spotting wildlife, seeing deer swim or eagles hunt.

All over the island, and on Jura, are signs of past times, the standing stone at Tarbert on Jura and others dotted around the landscape on Islay, the Kildalton Cross and the cross and ruined chapel at Kilnave with its bloody history!.
There are lots of monuments to lives lost, like the impressive American monument on the Oa, or the many memorials to those who died in WWI and WWII.

The ruined Dunyvaig Castle, sitting overlooking Lagavulin Bay was a key stronghold for the Lords of the Isles and another fortification not to be missed is Finlaggan. Here a visitor centre tells the story of Finlaggan - the seat of power for the Lordship of the Isles, from a time when Islay was a very important place. From the visitor centre you can walk along duckboards out to the island where many a meeting was held. The remains of buildings at Finlaggan give a glimpse into its past and the visitor centre brings that history to life.

Check out the blog section of our website for other ideas and for links to the audio guides for tours of Islay and Jura, and keep an eye on our pages for posts about special events and things to do over summer, like Islay and Jura agricultural show.

22/03/2025

22/03/2025

Big shout out to our newest top fans! 💎

Louise McMurray, Paul Smith, Blair Smith, Mary MacLellan, Peter Mc Cuaig, Sabine Sylvia, Scott Dinning, Pep Per, Hannu Elväs, Kevin Dale, Tricia Staple, Kathleen Mcandrew, Lyndsey Cameron McCarten, Margaret Anderson, John McGourty, Ian Mckellar, Mary Clarke, Ridley Errington, Jennifer Bone, Fiona Kirk, Chantal Massari, Paul Bonar, Bryan Wallace, Campbell Lindsay, Steve Farrell, Kenneth Malcolm, Margo Simpson, Philip Jackson, William Young, Cathie McLaughlin, Andy Barnard, George Douglas, Legin Wahs, Margaret Miller, Walter Weir, Elizabeth Mckillop

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community, fans

22/03/2025

When you're surrounded by water it makes sense to put out to sea!

A boat trip is a wonderful way to explore both Islay and Jura, heading in and out of the coves and inlets, watching the wildlife on and off the island, or taking a trip to the Corryvreakan Whirlpool, the third largest whirlpool in the world, just off the coast of Jura.

Isaly Sea Adventures; This is a boat tour company based on Islay, which offers a variety of trips including Wildlife, Fishing, Seafood, Corryveckan Whirlpool, Mull of Oa, Dawn, Dusk and Private Charter tours. With a variety of boats to choose from and experts on the boat to tell you more about the wildlife and the history, you'll learn so much as you see this rugged landscape as you've never seen it, up close from the water. The seafood trips include sampling the freshest seafood - like scallops and lobster - and enjoying them on the boat, with a wee dram of course!

Jura Boat Tours: Step aboard this RIB for sea tours to discover the outstanding beauty of Jura, and see the abundance of wildlife found around these shores. Passengers have the opportunity to enjoy the Corryvreckan whirlpool which is the 3rd largest in the world and is a sight to behold during large spring tides, and there are various other tours including Circumnavigate Jura, Wildlife Trips and Private Charter.

Being joined by a pod of dolphins is not guarantee, but in these waters it happens quite often!

Find out more here https://islayjura.com/explore/water-based-activities/

21/03/2025

The stunning landscapes, beaches and seascapes and incredible light on Islay and Jura have inspired many an artist and photographer, so whatever you do, don't forget your camera or your sketch pad.

If you love to do something creative but could do with inspiration or a guiding hand then we have some ideas for you.

Persabus Pottery: Make a date with Rosemary at Persabus pottery where you and your family or friends can try their hand at decorating a piece of pottery. Your unique design will then be fired and you can either collect it or it will be posted on to your home after your stay. There is a lovely shop too where you can buy some of Rosemary's stunning painted pottery depicting Islay scenes

SKETCH ISLAY: Join local artist Dietmar Finger for a SKETCH ISLAY workshop. He offers painting sessions for people to get to know the island in a way tourists are rarely able to do, by capturing visual impressions in lasting sketches. While doing this they will learn about how to deal with perspective and about art materials like different papers, paints and brushes. It is up to each student whether they want to concentrate on sketching or painting with watercolours.

During the summer season there are often workshops put on both by Dietmar and felt making by Emma Baker, so keep checking our website listings for details. There are regular craft fairs at Bruichladdich Hall throughout the summer and a range of local crafts are made and sold around the island. Check out The Blue Letterbox at Port Ellen, where owner Ruth sells work from dozens of local artisans from knitting sets to bars of soap, jewellery to artworks and Windswept Farm Shop near Port Charlotte also has Scottish made crafts and owner Jessie crochets and knits items using her own wool. Celtic House in Bowmore has beautiful gifts too, and you'll be able to buy, although not have a go yourself, a range of goods made from handwoven cloth, made right here on Islay at the Islay Woollen Milll.

Photographer Mark Unsworth has a gallery at Islay Square selling his own photographs of Islay as well as a range of prints and cards from Scottish artists. If you're looking to create your own stunning photographic memento of your trip speak to photographer Ben Shakespeare and arrange a photoshoot. On Jura in Craighouse you'll find local crafts and gifts on sale in Craighouse at the photography studio, gift shop and Antlers.

Find out more about arts and crafts on the islands here https://islayjura.com/explore/arts-crafts/

20/03/2025

Two wheels is a great way to explore the islands.

The regular cyclist will love the freedom of the roads, which offer so much to look at as you cycle along, plenty of coffee and cake shops and not too many challenging hills (although the Islay breezes can often offer an extra challenge!). Renowned cyclist Mark Beaumont and his bike were put through their paces cycling on Islay and Jura.

But you don't have to be a professional cyclist to enjoy peddling round the islands, and it's a great way to see more of the coastline and wildlife, and to take it slow - after all, you're on Islay time now!

If you prefer to cycle with a guide, and stick to tracks and beaches and really get to know the countryside take a look at Fat Biking with Dave Protherough. Dave is a qualified mountain bike leader and offers fat biking (bikes with extra big fat tyres) which is a unique experience, lots of fun and suitable for cyclists of all abilities. He is based just outside Port Ellen and can offer rides on Islay or bring them to Jura if you're staying there. And there are e-bike versions too. You just have to be over 12 and able to ride a bike but all experiences can be tailored to your needs, and can be arranged for groups of up to six.

E-bikes are a fantastic way to explore the islands - especially if you're not a regular cyclist or want to go further in a day. Islay E-Bikes in Port Ellen, rents out e-bikes so you could leave the car at home and do all your travelling by e-bike or just rent for a day or half a day and have some fun exploring on two wheels.

There is an informal cycling club which does a Sunday ride, meeting at 10am at Springbank, where the high road meets the low road between Bowmore and Bridgend. It finishes at Bruichladdich mini-market and can be a figure of eight ride of over 40 miles or a loop of about 20 - or you can just join for a short way. If you want more details ask at the Ileach office, at the minimarket in Bruichladdich or at Port Charlotte Stores.

For more details check out the website here https://islayjura.com/explore/cycling/

19/03/2025

Explore the great outdoors with an experienced guide
There is so much to see as you walk, cycle or drive around Islay and Jura, from the birds to the wild plants, remnants of ancient history, and of course the wildlife, like the thousands of deer, hare and otters.

But to make the most of the countryside and coastal areas, a guided tour can really help you find the best spots and make an enjoyable and informative half day or full day out.

Here's some ideas:

Let DJ, form Islay Outdoors, be your guide to some of the local flora and fauna. Islay Oudoors offers bespoke guided day tours for Wildlife and Nature walks to spot otters, eagles, deer and seals; Seashore foraging; Archaeology and Historical monuments.

Grant at Jura Guided Jura Guided offers guided walks and adventures on the Isle of Jura for anyone wanting to get deeper into this magical island. These bespoke walking adventures will take you across Jura’s landscape, learning more about its nature and heritage. With an islander, Grant Rozga, as your guide, you can explore Jura’s hidden gems you might not find on your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, Jura Guided will craft a bespoke walk for you, bursting with natural wonders, dramatic views and island stories.

Islay Encounters is a wildlife and nature guiding business, based in Port Ellen. It offers driven safaris, guided walks and bespoke outings. Your guide Tom Dunn has lived on Islay for over 35 years, but many years before he enjoyed holidays here as a budding young naturalist. He has spent much of his working life on the ruggedly beautiful south coast of Islay employed on a local estate, where his role helped towards, amongst other things, wildlife conservation, habitat, woodland, and deer management.

Jura Tours offers short tours and full island tours. Friendly tour guide Alex will take you around Jura in his Mercedes mini-bus for the tour which has several stops to take in the history, culture, wildlife and stunning beauty of the Isle of Jura and offering plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. Jura Tours also offers bespoke tours and private hires.

For more inspiration and other guided tours (including distillery tours) visit our website https://islayjura.com/explore/guided-tours/

18/03/2025

Fancy having a go at clay pigeon shooting?

You can experience clay pigeon shooting in the beautiful Gearach Forest, near Port Charlotte, with CPSA instructor, Mark Piper, which the whole family can enjoy. Whether you are new to the sport requiring first time instruction or a more experienced shooter requiring some fine tuning we can offer professional instruction and coaching tailored to your needs, in a safe environment.

Every clay pigeon session is completely private - whether it's just for you or a party of 30. The sessions include all clay targets & ammunition, gun hire and all relevant safety equipment. There are two sessions per day - 10:30am and 14:30pm and they are available seven days a week.

Find out more on the website here https://islayjura.com/directory/islay-clay-pigeon-shooting/

17/03/2025

Looking for inspiration of things to see and do on Islay or Jura? There's lots of ideas on our website in the 'Things to do' listings, and in the blogs - you'll find the link to all the blogs under the visitor information section.
From painting to clay pigeon shooting, foraging to fat biking you'll find lots of ideas for your next visit.

From mountains and lochs, long sand beaches and secluded coves there are so many places to explore and things to do on both Islay & Jura.

16/03/2025

Spring has definitely sprung on the islands today

16/03/2025

Did you need another reason to visit Islay?? … go on then…

American news magazine, TIME, has revealed its list of the world’s greatest places for 2025, and a Scottish distillery has made the cut. For the annual list ...

14/03/2025

Admiring the view from Bowmore Distillery Bar.

Our Guests staying at Bowmore Distillery Cottages can enjoy an exclusive, complimentary Whisky and Chocolate pairing at Bowmore Distillery Bar throughout their stay with us on Islay.

Email us at [email protected] or find out about our self-catering properties at https://www.bowmore.com/bowmore-cottages

Non alcoholic options available.
Please drink responsibly.

14/03/2025

We’ve had some beautiful sunny days on Islay this and blogger Caroline McQuistin has been making the most of her time here .. check out her posts for Islay inspiration

319K Followers, 1,090 Following, 1,111 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Caroline McQuistin | Cosy countryside living ()

07/03/2025

We're back to Jura for today's piece of history - Lagg Pier

The road that now follows the south and part of the east coast of Jura was the drovers’ road, and was especially built to transport cattle being herded from Colonsay, Islay and the rest of Jura to Lagg. From here the cattle were ferried across the Sound of Jura to Knapdale on the mainland.

You can see the slipway and pier that was built here in 1810, by famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford.

It is little changed from this old black and white photograph. And although it looks so peaceful now, things could get a little rowdy back in the day, by all accounts. When the drovers were waiting for calmer seas to transport their livestock they'd spend their time in a nearby inn to while away the hours with a few drams.

07/03/2025

Let’s shout about Islay and Jura!!

👀 have you seen this ad for the Scottish Thistle Awards ⬇️ featuring our own Emma Clark the fabulous Glenegedale House Islay which was crowned Best Bed and Breakfast winner for 2024.

Now it’s time 🕰️ for nominations for 2025 so let’s show Scotland and the world just what Islay and Jura has to offer.

Find out more here: https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/visitor-experience/scottish-thistle-awards

06/03/2025

Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors as you survey the remains of Dunyvaig Castle, near Port Ellen, Islay.

Just follow the three distilleries path and you'll come to a sign to your right, just past Lagavulin Distillery which will take you down to the ruins.

This ruined fortress is one of Islay’s most important historic sites. Although its remains are mainly 16th century its history is believed to go back much further – it was possibly even a prehistoric fort. Overlooking Lagavulin Bay it was once the naval fortress of the Lords of the Isles, the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald.

As you stand among what’s left of the castle walls, looking out to sea, you can imagine how
it would have looked at full height, emerging from the the edge of the Atlantic, from the
jagged black rocks on which it is stands.

Next to it is sheltered horseshoe Lagavulin Bay – as smooth as glass on a calm day – which
forms a natural harbour and would have been the perfect place to anchor ships to shelter
them from those great Atlantic storms. (It makes a fabulous vantage point to get an iconic photo of the distillery)

A castle was first built on this site by Somerled, King of the Isles, in the 12th century. It is
believed he built it on top of an existing older fort.

In the 13th and 14th centuries it was held by the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles and
Somerled’s descendants, who used the bay for their fleet of galley ships.

In the turbulent centuries that followed the castle was lost and won and lost again – it was
the scene of many a battle and many a story, like that of a guard who – secretly working for
the enemy – sounded the all clear on the bagpipes to let those in the castle know that all
was well.

It meant they were not prepared for danger when the assault came and the defeat was
swift. But the victors, rather than reward the piper, ensured he could never betray them, as
he had betrayed those they had just defeated – the story goes that they chopped off his
fingers so he could never sound the pipes again.

05/03/2025

You'll find many standing stones as you travel around Islay and Jura including this impressive example on Jura.

Loch Tarbert almost cuts Jura in two – there is a lovely walk from one side of the island to the other alongside the Loch if you have more than a day here. As you drive along past Tarbert look out for the prehistoric menhir, or standing stone on your right. It’s well worth a visit. It is 8ft high and two feet wide and tapers at the top. It is roughly rectangular and has a group of smaller stones round its base.