Isle of Islay

lagavulin

Isle of Islay

The Isle of Islay, fondly known as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’, is an enchanting island located off the west coast of Scotland. It’s the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides and sits just north of Northern Ireland and west of the Campbeltown peninsula.

Islay is famed for its beautiful landscapes which feature a mix of peat bogs, heather-covered hills, sandy beaches, and lush farmland. The island stretches approximately 25 miles from north to south and 20 miles east to west at its widest point, offering a varied geography that’s as diverse as it is beguiling.

The island is home to a handful of quaint villages, with the capital, Bowmore, best known for its distinctive round church, and Port Ellen, which serves as one of the two ferry ports linking the island to the mainland, the other being Port Askaig, which has a small ferry that provides access to the nearby Isle of Jura.

Other notable villages include Port Charlotte which has picturesque whitewashed houses, and the tiny fishing village of Portnahaven which is renowned for its seal colony on the islets of Orsay and Eilean Mhic Coinnich.

Jura Ferry

Islay is home to a diverse range of wildlife and over 250 species of birds have been recorded there, making it a haven for birdwatchers during the winter months when thousands of geese and other migratory birds fly into the RSPB reserve at Gruinart. Moreover, the island’s rugged coastline and clear waters are home to a variety of marine animals including seals, dolphins, and even the occasional whale.

When it comes to tourist attractions, the island’s eight active distilleries are a must-visit as many of these distilleries, like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, are open to the public for tours and tastings. Islay is also full of historic attractions like the 1,200-year-old Kildalton Cross (one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland) and the ruins of the 13th-century Dunyvaig Castle.

For nature lovers, RSPB Gruinart is a wonderful place to visit as it offers walking trails through woodland, marshland, and farmland with near-limitless opportunities for spotting a wide range of different birds. Machir Bay, with its long stretch of golden beach and dunes, is another good spot for a relaxing walk, as is the Oa Peninsula which offers stunning views of the coastline, especially around the American Monument.

islay the oa

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Craig Neil

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.