Enjoying More Than Just Whisky On Islay
Written by Graeme Johncock
Islay is well known as Scotland’s whisky island with ten working distilleries, but there’s so much more to find here than just the bottom of a bottle. This place was once home to the Lords of the Isles, so it’s packed with historical sites to visit alongside stunning beaches, open moors and soaring cliffs. It’s safe to say that the “Queen of the Hebrides” is an island that has a wee part of my heart!
Kildalton Cross
Following the road towards the southeastern corner of Islay, almost to the very end of the road, takes you through a wild, beautiful part of the island to one of its many hidden gems. Standing in the same spot for over 1200 years, the Kidalton Cross is an incredible example...
Dunyvaig Castle
A short distance along this rugged coastline, a side road takes you down to Lagavulin Bay and the remains of Dunyvaig Castle. Once a powerful stronghold of the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, its name means Fort of the Galleys and it’s easy to imagine a fleet of warships sheltering...
Have A Dram At Laphroaig
While there’s more than just whisky on Islay, I wouldn’t dare spend a day on the island without at least one dram! Of course, there’s plenty to choose from, but I like to stop in at Laphroaig Distillery. Founded in 1815, there’s both a museum and a bar inside to...
Explore Bowmore
On the banks of Loch Indaal, the wee town of Bowmore is the largest on Islay and well worth a quick wander about. The poker straight streets are a tell-tale sign of a planned village, built in the late 1700s to clear space further around the loch for Islay House!...
Lunch at the The Oyster Shed
From Loch Indaal, head to the shores of Loch Gruinart for some local delicacies. Don’t worry if raw shellfish aren’t your thing, there’s a lot more on offer at the Islay Oyster Shed. Of course, there’s plenty of fresh seafood but also plenty on offer for all diets!
Kilnave Chapel and Cross
Skirt around the edge of the loch until you spot the ruins of Kilnave Chapel down beside the water. It’s a short walk across the field to reach the walled off graveyard – somewhere with a tragic tale to tell. In 1598, Lachlan Mor MacLean invaded Islay with 1000 men...
Finlaggan
Finish the day at one of Scotland’s most historic spots that rarely gets the attention it deserves. Finlaggan was the main power base for the Lords of the Isles and walking out to the ruin-covered island takes you back centuries. It’s well worth taking the time to explore the visitor...
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