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Islay - Tourist Information

 

The Island of Islay (pronounced isle-la) is approx 2 hours ferry journey from Kennacraig on the west coast of Scotland. The island is about 25 miles (40 km) long and 20 miles (32 km) wide.  The climate is renowned as being mild as it benefits from the Gulf Stream.  It enjoys many warm summers and mild winters.  Islay has  numerous glorious sandy beaches, several distilleries producing their own distinct Malts, the famous Machrie golf course, walks and climbs to suite all abilities, the RSPB centre at Gruinart, lovely hamlets and towns like Port Charlotte and Bowmore.  Islay also abounds with historical sites and artifacts - the Kildalton Cross and the Kilnave Cross both dating from around 800 AD.

  

Most people travel to Islay by Ferry from Kennacraig either to Post Askaig or to Port Ellen, but you can also fly from Glasgow Airport to Islay's own Airport and arrange a hire car or a taxi.  You can also hire bikes on the island.

 

You may wish to take a day trip to the Islands of Jura or to Colonsay from Kennacraig.  

Whatever you do, you will enjoy yourself and always return to this jewel of the Hebrides. 

       

The small Islay - Jura Ferry at Port Askaig

The Islay lifeboat looking across to Jura
       

The Lighthouse by Leodamus Bay near port Ellen

The Beach at Port Ellon
       

The round Church in Bowmore

The old wreck off the coast of Islay at Bunnahabhainn
      

 

The Medieval  Kilchoman Cross over 2.5 metres high.

All graphics, coding and layout copyright Accommodate Scotland
Photographs by permission of Roger Briggs & Scotland 2000


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