Islay Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK
About Islay
Islay followed the standard Highland history of clan feuds and hand-to-mouth farming, then a rapid shift to modern cash farming, with the population evicted in "the Highland Clearances". One difference here was that many were relocated upon the island, in planned settlements such as Bowmore and with visions of an industrial Hebridean future. Fishing and knitwear were fostered, but whisky and tourism came about almost by accident. Medieval spirits were small-scalepoitínor rough gin. Gentlemen preferred continental brandy, but wars with France and high taxation curbed imports, and encouraged Scotch whisky distilling in the 18th and 19th centuries. This especially flourished on Islay, fertile enough to grow its own barley, and with fresh water sources (peaty or unpeaty as desired) and salt-sp
Top Attractions in Islay
Explore the best things to see and do in Islay:
- ★Adventure Kayaking
- ★Ardbeg Distillery
- ★Ardnahoe Distillery
- ★Bowmore Distillery
- ★Bruichladdich Distillery
- ★Bunnahabhain Distillery
- ★Caol Ila Distillery
- ★Finlaggan
Where to Eat in Islay
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Bridgend Hotel
- 🍴Taj Mahal
Where to Stay in Islay
- 🏨Ballygrant Inn
- 🏨Harbour Inn
- 🏨Islay Hotel
- 🏨Islay House
- 🏨Port Askaig Hotel
- 🏨Port Charlotte Hotel
Islay Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: