Make The Most of Your Stay on Islay...

There are many things to see and do on Islay. Islay has seven working Distilleries, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Laphraoig, all offer tours so why not visit a Distillery and sample some of the amber nectar. Islay also has its own Brewery, near Bridgend, which makes cask and bottle conditioned ales, so visit the Islay Ales Brewery and sample some real ale made on the Island.

As well as being famous for whisky, Islay is also famous for fishing, particularly brown trout fishing. In 2003 the European Fly Fishing Championships were held on Islay. The Island has a number of brown trout Lochs for fishing and there are 7 only a short distance from the Inn. Why not try your hand at sea fishing. Islay Marine Charters run fishing trips from Port Askaig, just 3 miles from the Inn, Islay Marine Charters also offer wildlfe cruises where you will be able to see otters, dolphins and seals.

Islay is packed with history with plenty of it still visible. The important archaeological and historical site of Finlaggan, where the Lord of the Isles ruled the western seaboard for some 500 years, is nearby. Dun Bhoraraig, Islay's only Iron Age Broch overlooks the Sound of Islay and is an invigorating walk from the Inn. Further afield is the Kildalton Cross, one of the only examples of a Celtic cross, still fully intact. Why not find out more about Islay's history by taking a trip to the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte.

Islay offers excellent opportunities for walking, there are no Munro's in Islay but there are plenty of smaller hills that will offer a challenge for the seasoned hill walker. There is also many paths and trails for the less experienced walker both along the shoreline and over the countryside. There are many attractive walks from the Inn; for example a walk to Ballygrant Loch, to Dun Bhoraraig, or to the north beyond Bunnahabhain to the lighthouse at Rhuvaal and on to the raised beaches and caves of Baigh An Dhorais.

Islay's neighbouring Island, Jura, is a five minute ferry trip away from Port Askaig and is perfect for a day trip. Even though Jura is very small, a population of just 200, there is plenty to keep you busy. Jura has a Distillery at Craighouse, there are the walled gardens at Ardfin House, the Corryvrecken Whirlpool, Kinauchdrach where George Orwell wrote 1984 and of course, the Paps of Jura which dominate the southern part of the Island.

Islay has many fine beaches, from Machir Bay in the West to Claggan Bay in the East. They are perfect for relaxing on in the summer months, and walking along in the winter months.

The Island has a varied landscape which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, deer, otters and over 270 species of birds, including buzzards, golden eagles and the famous over-wintering barnacle geese, are easily found all over Islay.

There are a number of indoor attractions to visit, including the must see Museum of Islay Life at Port Charlotte. The wildlife centre and the RSPB reserve at Gruinart provide interest for those interested in birds and wildlife and the Islay Woolen Mill near Bridgend is always worth a look.

During your stay if you require any help booking distillery tours, fishing trips, help with walks, maps or just information we will be happy to help.

© Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant 2005 - A Real Taste of Islay - Website designed in-house by Ewan Graham