Islay

[[file:Islay banner Loch Indall from Port Charlotte - Loch Indaal from Port Charlotte looking across Islay to the "paps" of Jura. Islay (pronounced eye-la), "Queen of the Hebrides", is around 20 miles by 20 miles. With its eight distilleries - Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Caol Ila, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and newly opened Kilchoman - it is easy to see why Islay is probably most famous for its whisky. Port Ellen closed its doors in 1983. In 2004, Islay's first ale brewery opened.

Port Charlotte Pier - - 860786 - Port Charlotte Pier

Islay Halal Travel Guide

There are only about 3,500 people living on the island.

Bowmore — is the island's capital
Port Ellen — is the largest settlement (but only slightly larger than Bowmore)

Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream and the climate is mild compared to mainland Scotland with an average high of 11.6°C and an average low of 6.6°C. Wind speeds are around 19-28 kilometers per hour on average, with winter gales of up to 185 kilometers per hour. Disruption of ferry and air travel must be expected.

Travel to Islay

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Islay

Islay has two ferry ports Port Ellen GPS 55.62759,-6.18949 and Port Askaig - GPS: 55.84826,-6.10522 and the ferry journey is a 2 hour 20 mins trip from the mainland, it leaves from Kennacraig, near Tarbert (Loch Fyne) on the Mull of Kintyre, which is about 2 and half hours from Glasgow by car. Caledonian MacBrayne operate the ferries and Citylink coaches connect with some ferries at Kennacraig. There are two or more trips per day, with more ferries going to Port Ellen than Port Askaig. Occasional sailings go on to Colonsay.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Islay

Islay Airport IATA Flight Code: ILY 55.6836, -6.2483 - Islay Airport - Islay Airport 345758 This is a small airport on the island. / Loganair offers Flights from Glasgow International Airport (IATA Flight Code: GLA). These flights can also be booked with British Airways under a codeshare agreement. There are also occasional services from Oban, operated by Hebridean Air Services]. The public bus (see Get around section) stops at the airport.

Get Around

GPS 55.773|-6.178

Remember to wave to other road users, whether it be vehicle drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Travel on a Bus in Islay

Islay Coaches are operated by B. Mundell (+44 1496 840273) on behalf of the Argyll & Bute Council. The two buses no. 450 and 451 serve the main towns and villages. There is no Sunday service.

By car

Two companies on the island offer vehicle hire:

Islay Car Hire - ☎ +44 1496 810544 or +44 7824 665099 (mobile phone) £197.75 (small car) or £229.95 (large car) per week (including insurance) Cars can be taken to Jura.

D&N MacKenzies - ☎ +44 1496 302300 From £35 per day (including insurance) Located opposite Islay Airport. Cars can be delivered to the ferry terminals.

Travel by bicycle in Islay

Bicycle hire is available in Bowmore (next to the Post Office).

Islay Cycles - Port Ellen ☎ +44 7760 196592 From £15 per day

By thumb

Hitchhiking is easy and relatively safe on Islay.

What to See

Whisky distilleries

Barrels at Ardbeg Distillery - - 413512 - Casks at Ardbeg Bowmore dist - Bowmore

Take a distillery tour. Even if you don't like it's really interesting to learn about the distilling process and see how the distilleries have shaped island life. If you do like you generally get a free taster. Most distilleries now offer advanced tours where you can taste different bottlings. All distilleries on the island offer tours, and Ardbeg and Kilchoman also have cafés. Remember to book tours in advance.

The three distilleries Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg are connected by a footpath with each other and to the nearby Port Ellen (6 kilometers one-way to Ardbeg, which is furthest away). The other distilleries are spread around the whole island.

Ardbeg Distillery - Port Ellen, PA42 7EA 55.64072, -6.10879 ☎ +44 1496 302244 Opening Hours: April - October daily 09:30-17:00. November - Mar: Monday to Friday09:30-17:00, Saturday to Sun closed Tours from £5 AA Ardbeg distillery Visitor centre, café, and distillery tours.

Bowmore Distillery - 55.75671, -6.28997 ☎ +44 1496 810671 Opening Hours: April - September: Monday to Sat 09:00-17:00, Sunday 12:00-16:00. October - Mar: Monday to Friday09:00-17:00, Saturday 09:00-12:30 (tours only in Jan/Feb on Sat), Sunday closed Tours from £7 Bowmore distillery Visitor centre and distillery tours. 12 years old Bowmore is one of the most popular Islay-Whiskies.

Bruichladdich Distillery - PA49 7UN 55.7663, -6.3619 ☎ +44 1496 850190 Opening Hours: April - September: daily. October - Mar: Monday to Sat, Sunday closed Tours from £5 Bruichladdich distillery Distillery producing both and gin.

Bunnahabhain Distillery - Port Askaig, PA46 7RP 55.8830, -6.1268 ☎ +44 1496 840557 Opening Hours: April - October Monday to Sat 10:00-17:00, Sunday 11:00-16:00. November - Mar: Monday to Sat 10:00-16:00, Sunday 12:00-16:00 Tours from £7 Bunnahabhain Distillery
Caol Ila Distillery | Port Askaig, Isle of Islay, PA46 7RL 55.85407, -6.10902 ☎ +44 1496 302769 Opening Hours: January - Feb: Tue-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun-Mon closed. March - October daily 09:00-17:00. No tours in September Standard tour £6 Caol Ila distillery 12 years old Caol Ila is one of 13 Classic Malts] and owned by Diageo. If you join the Friends of the Classic Malts you get free access to the twelve Classic Malt distilleries (standard tour) including Coal Ila.

Kilchoman Distillery - Rockside Farm, Bruichladdich, PA49 7UT 55.78712, -6.43054 ☎ +44 1496 850011 Opening Hours: Visitor centre and cafe: March - October daily 09:45-17:00. November - Feb: Monday to Friday09:45-17:00, Saturday to Sun closed. Tours offered on the same days Standard tour £6 (1h, includes two tastings), other tours from £15 AA Kilchoman distillery Farm distillery established in 2005. Visitor centre, tours and cafe.

Lagavulin Distillery | Port Ellen, PA42 7DZ 55.63576, -6.12664 ☎ +44 1496 302749 Standard tour £6 (including one tasting and glass) AA Lagavulin distillery No café. The 16 year old Lagavulin belongs like Caol Ila to the Classic Malts] and is also owned by Diageo. If you join the Friends of the Classic Malts you get free access to the twelve Classic Malt distilleries (standard tour) including Lagavulin.

Laphroaig Distillery - Port Ellen, PA42 7DU 55.6297, -6.1513 ☎ +44 1496 302418 Opening Hours: Shop/visitor centre: January - Feb: Monday to Friday09:45-16:30, Saturday to Sun closed. March - October Monday to Sun 09:45-17:00. November - Dec: Monday to Sun 09:45-16:30 Tours from £6 Laphroaig distillery No cafe, but free tea and coffee from an automatic machine. Nice lounge area adjacent to the tasting café. Join the 'Friends of Laphroaig' (for free) and get a free 50 ml bottle.

Other sights

Kildalton Cross - Kildalton, Port Ellen, PA42 7EF 55.68410, -6.04541 It's a ten minutes drive from Ardbeg along the primary street. 41077 Kildalton Cross Scotland Argyll Bute Islay Kildalton Great Cross 03 - Celtic cross from 8th century AD and a church ruin.

Finlaggan - Finlaggan Farm Road 55.8353, -6.1727 about 6km west of Port Askaig ☎ +44 1496 840 644 Opening Hours: Visitor centre: April - October 10:30-16:30; November - Mar: closed. Entry to the island feasible at all times Free (donations welcome) Finlaggan - Finlaggan A historic site on an island in Loch Finlaggan. It was the seat of the Lords of the Isles and of Clan Donald.

The Oa - 55.597616, -6.317160 9.6 kilometers south-west of Port Ellen ☎ +44 1496 300118 Opening Hours: Always open Free (donations welcome) 325866 The Oa A nature reserve at the southern tip of Islay. Good for birdwatching (for example the golden eagle which is most active in spring and summer). There are two trails (1.2 kilometers and 2.5 kilometers). It also contains the American Memorial.

Loch Gruinart - 55.82095, -6.35222 ☎ +44 1496 850505 Opening Hours: Nature reserve always open. Visitor centre: daily 10:00-17:00 Free (donations welcome) Loch Gruinart Another nature reserve, also good for birdwatching. There is a visitor centre (with toilets). In the reserve there are two trails and the Woodland Trail (1.5 kilometers) and the Moorland Trail (2km). A possibility for a nice cycle route is from Uiskentuie (on the A847) along the B8017 to the visitor centre, and then north-bound to Ardnave which is about 12km one-way.

Museum of Islay Life - Port Charlotte, PA48 7UA 55.74248, -6.37871 ☎ +44 1496 850358 Opening Hours: April - October Monday to Friday10:30-16:30, Saturday to Sun closed £3.50 Located in a former church and the museum has over 1,600 items from the Mesolithic period (around 8000 BC) till 1950.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Islay

McTaggart Leisure Centre - School Street, Bowmore, PA43 7JS 55.75704, -6.28921 ☎ +44 1496 810767 Opening Hours: Monday closed Use the swimming pool, private secluded sauna and gym.

Kayak Wild Islay - Port Ellen ☎ +44 7973 725456 (mobile phone) Full day: £70 per person (min 2 people). Half day: £50 per person Sea kayaking around the coastline of Islay. Based in Port Ellen, but tours from other points on Islay or Jura are feasible on request.

You can sit on the beach at The Oa, and watch as Highland cow stroll past

Annual events

Islay Festival Feis Isle - concerts,music,festival, Held in the last week of may every year all over the island and Jura. The island gets really crowded during the festival, so book a year in advance.

Cantilena Festival - Annual festival in July. Brings in young musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Islay Jazz Festival - Annual event in September.

Islay Half Marathon - Every year in August.

Shopping

Islay Ale Brewery - Islay House Plaza, Bridgend, PA44 7NZ 55.7845, -6.2511 ☎ +44 1496 810014 - The only brewery on Islay. Producing real ales since 2004.

Halal Food & Restaurants

An Taigh Osda - Bruichladdich, PA49 7UN 55.7653, -6.3627 ☎ +44 1496 850587 £75-80 (double room per person per day, including breakfast) A small private hotel. Also offers fine dining but its small dining room means that booking is crucial at weekends and during the summer months.

The Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant - Ballygrant, PA45 7QR 55.8189, -6.1593 Halfway between Bridgend and Port Askaig ☎ +44 1496 840277 Beds £35-80 per person per day (including full Scottish breakfast) Good home baking and evening meals.

The Old Kiln Café - Port Ellen, PA42 7EA 55.6404, -6.1086 at the Ardbeg distillery Opening Hours: April - October daily 10:00 to 16:30 (last orders 16:00); November - Mar: same times, but closed Saturday to Sun The cafe at Ardbeg distillery is wonderfully rustic with some great menu choices including good soups and home baking.

The Port Mor Centre - Port Charlotte, PA48 7UE 55.73374, -6.38597 On the road out of Port Charlotte towards Portnahaven ☎ +44 1496 850441 or +44 1496 850442 (the cafe) - Serves lunches and Snacks, with a muslim-friendly play area outside.

Taj Mahal Shore Street, Bowmore 55.7572, -6.2866 - A good Indian restaurant in the centre of Bowmore. They do not serve alcohol, but you can bring your own. Only cash payment.

The following hotels and pubs also offer food:

An Tigh Seinnse (see Drink section)
Port Askaig Hotel (see Sleep section)
The Port Charlotte Hotel (see Sleep section)
White Hart Hotel (see Sleep section)

An Tigh Seinnse | 11 Queen Street, Portnahaven, PA47 7SJ 55.68014, -6.50954 - Cosy restaurant serving local food. Child friendly, although the terms of the premises licence mean that any children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the premises after 9pm. Dogs are not allowed inside although there are seats outside (for the better weather!) and staff are usually happy to provide a bowl of water and a biscuit for your dog.

The following hotels also offer drinks:

Port Askaig Hotel (see Sleep section)
The Port Charlotte Hotel (see Sleep section)
White Hart Hotel (see Sleep section)

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Islay

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Islay ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Islay. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Islay, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

The Bay Holiday Cottage - King Street, Portnahaven, PA47 7SP 55.67910, -6.50824 ☎ +44 1496 860338 £415/week (high season), £295/week (low season) Comfortable self catering cottage overlooking picturesque Portnahaven bay. Sleeps 4-5. Normally rented from Saturday till Saturday.

Bowmore Cottages | School Street, Bowmore 55.75680, -6.28927 ☎ +44 1496 810441 Six cottages located at the Bowmore Distillery. Modern kitchen and up to date furniture inside and right at the centre of Bowmore and Islay. Comes with complimentary bottle of Bowmore 12 and a free tour at the distillery if you stay for a week.

The Harbour Inn - @inn.com The Plaza, Bowmore 55.75757, -6.28816 ☎ +44 1496 810330 Hotel with seven rooms as well as a restaurant and a small but nice pub with good selection of whisky.

Port Askaig Hotel - Port Askaig, PA46 7RD 55.84767, -6.10552 ☎ +44 1496 840245 Between £90-120 (for two people per day, including full Scottish breakfast), add £20 per room in high season This is one of the island's oldest inns. It also has a pleasant pub which does average bar meals. There are picnic tables at the front.

White Hart Hotel - 1 Charlotte Street, Port Ellen, PA42 7DF 55.63110, -6.18922 ☎ +44 1496 300120 This hotel has a and swimmingpool table - you can also take your drinks outside to the grassy area across the road. The White Hart serves bar meals.

The Port Charlotte Hotel - Main Street, Port Charlotte, PA48 7TU 55.74018, -6.37839 ☎ +44 1496 850360 The Port Charlotte Hotel is a lively venue which does good bar meals and often has live traditional music on Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 8:30pm onwards. There is a organic juice garden at the back. Even if you are not a drinker, ask to see their menu - a remarkable list of different bottlings from the island's distilleries. If you want to try - beware, as some of the rarer ones are as much as £50 a dram!

Port Charlotte Youth Hostel | Port Charlotte, PA48 7TX 55.74119, -6.37890 ☎ +44 1496 850385 Check-in: 17:00 / Check-out: 10:00 Bed in dorm from £18, rooms from £45 SYHA Hostel in old warehouse in the village of Port Charlotte. An excellent conversion of the building about 15 years ago giving a 30 bed hostel with good common room facilities. Free wifi. The (well equipped) kitchen is locked between 10 am and 2 pm. The hostel has won awards for being environmentally friendly. Wildlife Centre Exhibition in the downstairs part of the building. The bus stops right outside the hostel (although there isn't a bus stop there).

Stay Safe

Islay is a pretty safe place and any crime here is likely to be big news.

News & References Islay

Travel Next

Isle of Jura — A 5min ferry trip from Port Askaig lies Jura (note that the ferry terminal on Jura is 8 miles from the main village and that public transport only meets certain ferries). It has its own Jura distillery in Craigshouse and is a popular place for walks.
Isle of Colonsay — CalMac ferries run to this island (north of Islay) on a Wednesday (summer only) and this is an enjoyable day trip.