Explore Islay & Jura

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Explore Islay & Jura

Promoting all that the Isles of Islay and Jura have to offer.

09/05/2024

Loch Tarbert almost cuts Jura in two – there is a lovely walk from one side of the island to the other alongside the Loch. As you drive along past Tarbert look out for the prehistoric menhir, or standing stone on your left. 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.

Image credit Kate Featherstone

Find out more by checking out our downloadable audio guide to Jura, including a section on the standing stone.
https://geotourist.com/tours/5831/Explore_Jura/point/7/Tarbert_Standing_Stone

08/05/2024

Dive right in... there's nothing so refreshing as a dip in Loch Indaal or the Atlantic Ocean to awaken the senses.

07/05/2024

Get closer to Islay’s wildlife at one of the RSPB’s two nature reserves on the island.
Loch Gruinart is home to one of the UK’s best wildlife spectacles, every winter tens of thousands of geese from Greenland flock to the green fields of Loch Gruinart. As they depart north in the spring waders and corncrakes return to breed. Find out more about what to look out for, at the visitor centre. There’s free parking and from there you can take a walk along the trails through woodland or over the moorland. During summer season months there are also regular guided walks.
On the Oa the nature reserve takes in the impressive Oa monument and here you're likely to see eagles soaring around the dramatic cliffs as well as a host of seabirds.
Find out more using our GeoTourist audio guide. https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay/point/14/Loch_Gruinart_RSPB_visitor_centre__nature_reserve and https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay/point/7/The_Oa_Monument_and_RSPB_nature_reserve

06/05/2024

Take a step back in time....Finlaggan is an island settlement in the secluded Loch Finlaggan and is of huge historical importance. People have lived here since early times but in the 14th and 15th centuries it was the most important place around, being the administrative centre of the Lordship of the Isles, ruling the islands and part of the west coast of Scotland, from Kintyre to Lewis, virtually independent of royal control. You can walk out on wooden walkways to the main island, and learn more about them, their predecessors and their fate in the fabulous Visitor Centre.
Find out more about this fascinating place using our online (and downloadable) audio visitor guide to Islay.
https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay/point/10/Finlaggan_Centre_Seat_of_Lords_of_Isles

04/05/2024

There are some beautiful walks to, and around Loch Skerrols on Islay. You might be lucky enough to see the whooper swans who stop off here, but it's well worth a visit at any time of the year - and what a fantastic foreground for viewing the Paps of Jura.

03/05/2024

We are sailing... from the ferries which brings you to our shores, to sailing ships, fishing boats, old puffers and yachts there's always plenty of activity on the sea and loch - and what better way to see the islands than by boat. Book a boat trip while you're here.
find out more about boat trips and yacht mooring facilities here
https://islayjura.com/explore/water-based-activities/

02/05/2024

We know we're biased but Islay really does have some stunningly pretty villages - which one's your favourite?

01/05/2024

Want a happy dog? Take a trip to Islay and Jura.. long sandy beaches, woodlands for sniffs and exploring and hills to climb, there's so much for your four legged friends.
Please be mindful of our farmers and birdlife though.
Always keep your dog on a lead around farm animals, especially when sheep are lambing and cows calving. Avoid those fields and areas (even with your dog on a lead). We don't want any threat to livestock or to your safety.
And remember ground nesting birds will be sitting on nests and raising their young across the hills and along the shore.

30/04/2024

Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors as you survey the remains of Dunyvaig Castle. 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.

Find out more in our audio guide https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay/point/4/Dunyvaig_Castle

29/04/2024

Food glorious food... from Lobster to Linguine; Prawns to pizzas; Venison to vegan options; Cullen skink to freshly shucked oysters, you're going to love the food here.
Come and get a taste of Islay and Jura.

28/04/2024

If you're on Islay at the start of August don't miss Islay's Annual Agricultural show! A great day out for all the family.
On Thursday August 8, Ithe 176th annual show will take place at the showground at Bridgend. Livestock competitions, races, horseriding competitions, veg, flow and craft shows, vintage tractors, stalls, food and lots more.

27/04/2024

Carraigh Fhada lighthouse is the only example of a square lighthouse in Scotland. It’s one of the first landmarks you’ll see if you come to Islay by ferry from the mainland into Port Ellen. The lighthouse has a heartbreaking history and is not only a symbol of safety for seafarers but a symbol of love and tragedy.

Find out more about its history, and discover more places to visit and things to do on Islay with our storytelling audio guides.
https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay/point/6/Carraig_Fhada

26/04/2024

Thanks for all your responses and reactions… you’ve all made it on to our weekly top engagement list! 🎉 we really appreciate you helping spread the word about our beautiful islands.

Mary Clarke, John Taylor, Louise McMurray, Richard Aitchison, Drew Moodie

26/04/2024

Kildalton Cross is one of the finest stone crosses of Medieval Scotland – carved in 700 it is equally as impressive as the more famous Iona crosses. It stands where it was first put up more than 1,200 years ago, and is one of very few early Christian crosses which remain where they were erected. Take a while to look round the rest of the ruined chapel and gravestones – depicting Medieval warriors wielding spears and swords.

Learn more about the cross, listen to our audio history and discover other places to see on your visit by using our Geotourist guide

https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay/point/1/Kildalton_Cross

26/04/2024

Take a wander round Bridgend woods along the River Sorn. Proper pathways will lead you round the woods where you can enjoy this stunning woodland and hear the many birds. The paths take you around Islay estate where you can also admire the stunning Islay House and visit the gallery and cafe, whisky and gin shops, marmalade shop and Islay quilters. Walk through the woods the other way and you'll come to Islay Woollen Mill where you can see wool being woven and buy a range of beautiful woollen goods.

25/04/2024

Islay is southernmost of the Inner Hebrides islands of Scotland and have been inhabited since 10,000BC. Known as the Queen of the Hebrides, it is reached by regular ferries from the Mull of Kintyre or by plane from Glasgow. It is steeped in history but offers the visitor every modern luxury and its inhabitants are famous for their friendliness and warm welcome.

Renowned for their whiskies, there are over 9 distilleries producing characteristic peaty single malts – and non-peated ones. There are also gin and rum distilleries, a golf course, museums and many sites of historical interest from 10,000BC.

It also boasts breathtaking scenery unspoiled beaches, turquoise seas, fantastic cycling, walking, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, golf, shooting, fishing and climbing opportunities.

There is a wealth of wonderful wildlife and rare birds – from the shy Corncrake to the mighty Golden Eagle- and two RSPB nature reserves. There are stunning inland lochs, ancient woodlands, meandering rivers for fly-fishing, the chance to see deer (also to stalk and shoot), and a host of places to stay, eat and drink to make the most of the abundance of fantastic local produce – including fresh seafood straight from the sea, Islay lamb and beef, and fresh oysters.

Islay (pronounced eye-la) is 40 kilometres (25mi) long from North to South and 24 kilometres (15 mi) broad (240 square miles), but its rugged and ragged coastline is estimated to be 130 miles.

Discover more by visiting our website https://islayjura.com/

24/04/2024

Exploring nature
Throughout the summer season you could enjoy a guided walk through some of Islay's stunning nature reserves with the RSPB.
Join your guide at 10am every Tuesday at The Oa or every Thursday at Loch Gruinart for a tour round these awe-inspiring landscapes. Led by the RSPB'x passionate guides, come and search for Eagles, chough, Hen Harrier and more, and learn about the conservation work they are carrying out to protect this amazing wildlife. For more information visit
https://events.rspb.org.uk/islay

There is also a visitor centre at Gruinart with lots of information for grown ups and younger ones, and a host of exciting discoveries to be made (including getting close to live sea creatures in the fish tanks) at Islay Natural History Trust at Port Charlotte.
https://islayjura.com/directory/islay-natural-history-trust-visitor-centre/

23/04/2024

The countdown is on - one month to go before Islay's famous whisky and cultural festival begins.

Friday May 24 - Saturday June 4: Fèis Ìle – Islay’s festival of whisky, music and culture runs at distilleries and halls and meeting rooms across Islay. For the full list of what’s on where and which distillery is hosting the festival on which day, and to book tickets, visit the website here The Official Website of Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival (feisile.co.uk)

18/04/2024

Thanks for all your comments, likes and shares.. a big shout out to our top fans, you’ve all made it on to our weekly engagement list! 🎉 thanks for helping spread the love for our beautiful islands. 👍🏼🙏🏻

Barbara James Tupper, Rajmund o'Whisky, Margaret Anderson, Jennifer Bone, Mary Ann Mcdonald

14/04/2024

Take a walk on the wild side... wildlife, wild swimming, wild flowers, wild seas and wild, wild landscapes... how wild do you want to get?

13/04/2024

Wake up to long lazy days on holiday on Islay and Jura.

12/04/2024

Need a shot of vitamin sea? Come and find it on Islay and Jura.

11/04/2024

Fancy time for a little quiet reflection? Visit Islay and Jura this summer

10/04/2024

Leave only footprints, take away only memories.... explore Islay and Jura this summer

09/04/2024

A Hole in One? A dram or two? Nothing but the beach, the sea and you.... Whatever you're dreaming of come and Explore Islay & Jura and make your dreams come true.

05/04/2024

Thanks for being top engagers and making it on to our weekly engagement list! 🎉 we really appreciate your support

Gary Kaye, Rajmund o'Whisky, John Taylor, Lynn Unsworth, KW Chan

01/04/2024

If you want to blow the cobwebs away with an Easter Monday walk visit the Oa on Islay.

The Oa reserve has wild sea-cliffs and open moorland - the perfect hunting ground for magnificent golden eagles. Take a walk around the coastal trail and up to the American monument – erected in memory of lives tragically lost at sea in the waters around this island on troopships in World War I. Admire the stunning views of the sea-cliffs and across to Northern Ireland. Scan the shore to spot wild goats munching on seaweed, seals in the bay or maybe even an otter. Scan the skies for eagles, peregrines and chough.

Find out more about it on this downloadable guilde https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay/point/7/The_Oa_Monument_and_RSPB_nature_reserve

31/03/2024

Calmac-themed pedaloes could soon be available for hire for the tourist season.

A fleet of Pedaloes have been specially designed to commemorate the upcoming arrival of The Isle of Islay Ferry later this year - the first of two brand spanking new ships which will be ferrying passengers and vehicles on the Islay to Kennacraig route. The famous black, white and red colours and insignia of the yellow Lion Rampant on a red background will adorn the two-person pedaloes, which will offer a fun water-based activity for all the family!

Explore Islay and Jura have been told other improvements to family entertainment on the islands are also on the cards.

Plans are being drawn up for a Whisky-themed crazy golf course on the Big Strand to be called Drammed Eagles and there'll soon be no need to take the kids to Lapland, this winter Jura, our very own deer island, could become the destination of choice for those desperately seeking Santa - The festive winter fun will be complete with the options of riding tame deer, taking a deer-drawn sleigh ride around the island and visiting the Big Man himself in his grotto at the foot of the Paps.

Deer photo: Ben Shakespeare

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However you explore Islay and Jura, two wheels, four, two legs, on the land or in the water.. take some inspiration from our website - everything you need to #ExploreIslayJura #Lingerlonger #LoftYourSpirits #Whisky #ScottishIslands #PeatyWhisky #Peat #VositScotlans #WildAboutArgyll

Wouldn’t you love to wake up to this in the morning? Plan a trip to explore Islay and Jura- a world apart but just a journey away. #liftyourspirits #Lingerlonger

Sound on! For months now our soundscape on Islay has included the sound of the barnacle geese as they move from the waters edge to the fields and back again to feed and roost. They’ll soon be off on their incredible journey to Greenland and we’ll welcome them back in October - another unique feature of Islay. #islaytime #IslayandJura #Hebrides

#Islaytime

Are you ready for some tranquility? #exploreislayandjura

Get your sparkle back with a visit to Islay and Jura ✨ 🎄 ✨ #liftyourspirits

It’s been a sunshine and a showers kinda Sunday..

When the produce is this fresh you know it's going to taste the best. Islay and Jura's seafood is as fresh as can be - crab, lobster and langoustine are caught in the clear waters around the islands. Teamed with the plumpest, freshest oysters from the loch at Gruinart you really won't taste better. Not only will you and your friends or family enjoy a great meal but you'll know the provenance of your food, you'll know the food miles are low and you'll be supporting the local economy and local families - what's not to love? The only dilemma will be what wine to have with it and what dram to choose for after dinner! #islaytime #liftyourspirits #Islay #Jura #Holidays #FoodAndDrink #Seafood #Freshfood #Shellfish #Hebrides #Finedining #Fishing

That’s #islaytime 🥰

Autumnal feeling in the air.. perfect to make the most of a beautiful Islay day in and around Bridgend and Islay House before the leaves start to fall. #exploreislayjura #visitscotland #wildaboutargyll #southernhebrides #holiday #whisky #whiskyisle #calmacferries #loganair

Learn more about Islay's native flora and fauna. Save the date: Wednesday July 12 – Wildlife Talk. This is a chance to find our more about Islay’s wonderful wildlife from Islay Natural History Trust at the nature centre, Port Charlotte, from 7pm. (next door to the Youth Hostel) No charge but donation welcome, suggest £5 adults, £12 family and £2 INHT members. https://www.islaynaturalhistory.org/

We're always happy to answer your questions about exploring Islay or Jura so don't hesitate to get in touch with us by sending us a message or emailing [email protected] One visitor contacted us to let us know they were going to visit Jura but didn't have a car, and they were wanting to know what transport was available when they got there. There's lots of information about Jura and Islay on our website including details of ferries and transport. However, here's just a taste of some of the options for getting about on Jura without a car. You can check the bus timetables - the number 456 bus travelling between Port Feolin and Inverlussa (via Craighouse and Lagg). https://www.garelochheadcoaches.co.uk/bus-services/456/ There is a Jura tour service you can book to give you a tour https://islayjura.com/directory/jura-island-tours/ You could take a boat trip round Jura to explore it from the coast https://islayjura.com/directory/jura-boat-tours/ Our how about hiring ebikes on Islay and take those across to travel on if that appeals? https://islayjura.com/directory/islay-e-wheels/ Have fun exploring this stunning island - enjoy the peace and quiet and the deer! And however you're planning to travel on Jura don't forget this handy online guide. We helped create this Tour of Jura with GeoTourist and it includes points of interest, how to find them, some information and history including photos and an audio guide - it's well worth a read and a listen. https://geotourist.com/tours/5831/Explore_Jura

If you need to #liftyourspirits come and visit Islay - a wonderful world of beauty, relaxation, warm welcomes and great memories awaits. Find out more on our website and don't forget to take a look at our specially curated tours of #Islay and #Jura - these are online guides with a few points of interest along the way, designed to get you round the islands and assist in finding some of the key things to see and do. There's so much more but we believe in #Islaytime and that means taking your time to discover these islands for yourselves. You may come for the whisky but you'll want to stay for so much more..... https://geotourist.com/tours/5796/Explore_Islay https://geotourist.com/tours/5831/Explore_Jura .

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Wouldn’t you love to wake up to this in the morning? Plan a trip to explore Islay and Jura- a world apart but just a journey away. #liftyourspirits #Lingerlonger

#Islaytime

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