Visit Islay from Jura
We recommend that you visit our friends at www.islayinfo.com who have plenty of information to share with you about Islay.
Here on this page we will highlight some of the things easily accessible on Islay from Jura, so that you can make the most of a day trip to Islay.
The Islay Info page has a great driving tour explained on this page on the east coast of Islay here which takes in a lot of the attractions and places to visit near Jura: www.islayinfo.com/do/driving-tours/bridgend-port-askaig-and-glen-road
Whilst Jura is not small in size it only has 240 residents, Islay (pronounced Eye-La) is a similar size geographically but has 3,500. There is just a short 10 min ferry ride to get across to Islay and the ferry is a roll on, roll off ferry which you don’t have to book.
Things to do and see the Jura side of Islay
Port Askaig Port
Caol Ila Distillery
Ardnahoe Distillery
Bunnahabhain Distillery
Persabus Pottery / Teashop
Finlaggan – the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles
Craigaid Kitchen of Ballygrant
Ballygrant Inn
Islay Woolen Mill
Bridgend Woods
Islay House Square
Bridgend Hotel
Whisky Distilleries: Islay is often referred to as the “Queen of the Hebrides” and is globally recognized for its whisky production. The island is home to nine distilleries, each with its own unique character and flavor profile. Visitors can embark on distillery tours and tastings to learn about the whisky-making process, from malting and mashing to fermentation and maturation. Highlights include iconic distilleries like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Bowmore, known for their peaty and complex single malts. Whether you’re a whisky aficionado or a curious newcomer, exploring Islay’s distilleries offers a fascinating insight into the island’s rich whisky heritage.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities: Islay boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, from rugged coastline and pristine beaches to rolling hills and expansive peat bogs. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure, including hiking, birdwatching, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The island’s extensive network of walking trails offers scenic routes for all abilities, with highlights such as the coastal path from Port Ellen to Ardbeg and the dramatic cliffs of the Oa Peninsula. Birdwatchers flock to Islay to observe thousands of migratory birds, including geese, ducks, and waders, especially during the autumn and winter months. The island’s picturesque beaches, such as Machir Bay and Laggan Bay, are perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and water sports like surfing and sea kayaking.
Cultural Heritage and Heritage Sites: Islay is steeped in history and boasts a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, historic sites, and traditional villages that offer glimpses into the island’s past. Highlights include the medieval ruins of Finlaggan, the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles, and the iconic Round Church in Bowmore, built in the 18th century. The Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte provides fascinating insights into the island’s social, economic, and cultural history, with exhibits ranging from traditional crafts and farming practices to the impact of whisky production on local communities. Additionally, Islay hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Islay Festival of Music and Malt (Feis Ile), which celebrates the island’s whisky heritage with distillery open days, tastings, music, and dancing.
Overall, the Isle of Islay offers a captivating blend of whisky, wilderness, and history, making it a captivating destination for visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion amidst Scotland’s stunning Hebridean landscape.
Visit the Seat of the Lords
Finlaggan, the seat of the Lords of the Isles on the Isle of Islay, is its importance as the political and administrative center of the Lordship of the Isles during the medieval period in Scottish history.
Seat of Power: Finlaggan served as the ceremonial and administrative hub of the Lordship of the Isles, a powerful semi-independent lordship that existed from the 12th to the 15th century. The Lords of the Isles were the rulers of the Hebrides and parts of the west coast of Scotland, wielding considerable influence over the region's politics, economy, and culture.
Seals at Portnahaven
Portnahaven on the Isle of Islay is that it is one of the island's most picturesque and traditional villages. With its charming whitewashed cottages, quaint harbour, and stunning coastal scenery, Portnahaven offers visitors a glimpse into traditional island life in the Hebrides. The village is known for its tranquil atmosphere, friendly locals, and scenic walks along the rugged shoreline. Portnahaven is also home to the iconic Portnahaven Pier, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and perhaps catch a glimpse of seals or seabirds basking in the coastal waters. Whether exploring the village's historic sites, enjoying fresh seafood at a local pub, or simply soaking in the coastal beauty, a visit to Portnahaven offers a memorable experience on the Isle of Islay.
Kilchoman Beach
Kilchoman Bay, situated on the rugged west coast of the Isle of Islay, is renowned for its scenic beauty and dramatic coastal landscapes. Framed by rolling hills and rugged cliffs, the bay offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding Hebridean islands. Kilchoman Beach, with its golden sands and turquoise waters, provides a picturesque setting for leisurely walks, beachcombing, and wildlife watching. Visitors to Kilchoman Bay can enjoy exploring the nearby Kilchoman Distillery, known for its traditional craft production of Islay whisky, as well as nearby walking trails and viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the bay and beyond. Whether admiring the sunset over the ocean or simply soaking in the tranquility of the natural surroundings, Kilchoman Bay offers a memorable experience for visitors to the Isle of Islay.
Distillery Tours
The Isle of Islay is renowned for its rich history of whisky production, boasting an impressive array of distilleries that captivate both connoisseurs and novices alike. Each distillery on Islay embodies a distinct character and flavour profile, influenced by the island's unique terroir and traditional production methods. From the peaty, smoky notes of Laphroaig and Lagavulin to the briny, maritime character of Caol Ila and Bowmore, Islay's distilleries offer a sensory journey through the essence of Scotland's whisky heritage. Whether exploring the iconic stalwarts or discovering hidden gems, a visit to Islay's distilleries promises an unforgettable experience for whisky enthusiasts from around the globe.
Bowmore
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Loch Indaal, this historic town is steeped in centuries of tradition and maritime heritage. Its iconic whitewashed buildings, winding streets, and quaint harbor create a postcard-perfect backdrop for exploration. At the town's core lies the renowned Bowmore Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest whisky producers, where the art of whisky-making intertwines with the island's rich tapestry of culture and craftsmanship. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town's storied past at the Bowmore Round Church or simply savor the tranquility of its coastal vistas. With its warm hospitality and timeless allure, Bowmore stands as a quintessential gem of Scotland's west coast, inviting travelers to uncover its treasures and bask in its enduring charm.