What to do and where to go on Islay

There are a whole host of websites devoted to Islay that are tremdously helpful in planning a trip, ouri information below is intended as a breif guide rather than an exhaustive list

The Islay Festival is the last week of May; whiskey, music, distilleries, food & a good time had by all.

Walk Islay is a marvellous opportunity mid-April to walk different parts of the island

The Islay Jazz Festival - mid-September, spread over 3 days with venues all over the island

Machrie Golf is a must for golfers and reputed to be within the top 25 courses in Scotland

Port Ellen Angling Club offer angling news and reports from the island

Horse Riding can be arranged with Ballivicar Farm just a 5 minute drive from Cairn Cottage (book well in advance though) or alternatively you can ride at Sanaigmore Farm

Cycle Hire in Port Ellen

The Islay Hotel offers a wide bar and restaurant menu in comfortable surroundings

SeaSalt Bistro offers a great range of food from pizza & pasta to seafood & steak, for eat-in or takeaway

Indoor Swimming/Gym Facilities at The Mactaggart Leisure Centre in Bowmore

Islay Car Hire - car hire

Caledonian MacBryne - ferry timetables from Kennacraig to Port Askaig and Port Ellen.

Finlaggan was the seat of the Lord of the Isles and definately worth a trip for the stunning scenery.
RSPB Loch Gruniart and The Oa - both bird watchers' paradises

Islay Sea Adventures - fishing and wildfire boat trips

Islay Info - a great all round website for information and events on the island  

Wild About Argyll - a great informative website on what and where to go 

The Illeach - the Islay newspaper

Islay Blog - another useful resource to finding some

Explore Islay Jura - informative website for both islands
Islay Blog - a more personal website devoted to Islay; download as a pdf the Islay Guide

Distilleries - links to each of the islands Distillery websites
Ardbeg
Ardnahoe
Bowmore
Bruichladdich
Bunnahabhain
Caol Ila
Lagavulin
Laphroaig
Kilchoman
Port Ellen

Please do let us know if you come across other sites which other visitors to the island would find useful.