Islay and Jura

Islay is the third largest and most Southerly of the Inner Hebridean islands and is reached by ferry from Kennacraig, just south of Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula for which you must book in advance. There are half a dozen world class whisky distileries and a number of smaller specialised distilleries making use of the uniquely peaty water that is abundant on the island. On both Islay and its sister island of Jura you feel the most wonderful connection with the sea everywhere. The bird-life is particularly abundant and is popular with both the watchers and those shooting for wild game.

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• Whisky

  Private House Stays recommends the Whisky tours at their distilleries linked below and also at the Lagavulin Distillery.

  • Ardbeg Distillery
  • Bowmore Distillery
  • Bruichladdich Distillery
  • Bunnahabhain Distillery
  • Laphroaig Distillery

• Tourist Attractions

  Islay and Jura are very much outdoor places, much dominated by a seaside atmosphere, ever present bird-life, distilleries and some much prized wild-fowl shooting. However there are half a dozen quite off-beat other attractions such as the heritage site at Finlaggan, the gardens at Jura House, the Museum of Islay life and The Kildalton Crosses.

  • Finlaggan
  • Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve
  • Achamore Gardens
  • Jura House Garden