The bus service runs between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. Thanks. I mentioned this peninsula earlier but Ill repeat myself here as it really is a stunning place. I would rather not have to cope with driving on the (to me) "wrong side" of the road. Four visits worth of adventures and experiences, with another planned for this September, has afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in all the things that make this island so special. Yes, there are a number of banks on Islay, some also providing a cash machine: If I haven't answered your questions here feel free to, I'd love to hear from you with any suggestions and ideas for improvements to these FAQ (or the pages in general), so please feel free to. A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. There is no direct connection from Isle of Islay to Island of Skye. The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Drive Time Calculator - Travel Time Calculator Glenegedale House (my favourite place to stay on Islay) is a 5*, multi-award winning guesthouse which serves sharing boards on whisky barrel tops and Laphroaig with your breakfast porridge. Islay actually isnt as bad as the mainland for midges which I think might be down to the Atlantic winds keeping them at bay, but when the winds drop they can be a real pain. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. Getting Around Islay | islay.com Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. There are a whopping nine whisky distilleries on Islay, with more underway, so youll never find yourself far from one of these iconic white-washed buildings donned with huge lettering. For a map and to look around try. And doing the Jura distillery by bus would be distinctly challenging! I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? The rest of the roads are very narrow and only suitable for slow-moving traffic so I wouldnt recommend you drive to Islay in a big 44 or anything sporty with a firm suspension, and I have to say on my last two visits I was glad I hired small cars (Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta which were perfect for the job). The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotlands large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. number of lovely walks where if your lucky you can see golden eagles sea eagles and other bird of prey.We have been visiting Islay for the last 40 yrs and never tire of this beautiful island and it's superb whisky. The bus is the cheaper option at 25.30 for an advanced return ticket, while an off-peak return on the train is 40.90; although better priced fares can be picked up 12 weeks in advance (set up a ticket alert on the TheTrainLine to be notified when they go on sale). Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. The bikes can be picked up in Port Ellen or delivered to your location of choice for 10 (free for 3 bikes or more) and they cost 30 per day. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Unfortunately theres no ring road around Islay so you wont be able to explore the entire coastline by car, but the A846 does at least enable you to drive from Lagavulin in the south to Port Askaig on the northeast corner, while the A847 will take you over to the western-most point at Portnahaven. Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. My fondness for Islay grows with every visit, and while I experience new things each time, I always leave pining for more. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. It is . There are beautiful coastlines to walk around, historic whisky distilleries to visit, and incredible wildlife-watching opportunities around every corner. travelling around the island - do i need a car. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Islay nature and wildlife. You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. Youll find a very nice beach on the Port Ellen side at Kilnaughton and another called the Singing Sands just behind the Carraig Fhada lighthouse. I don't like whisky. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. Use the buses, they are convenient and mean you can drink at distilleries. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. Getting around :: Islay Info Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. I would certainly do the weekly let, once you get past being on Islay for about 3 days you sort of fully slow down to the island pace and you can step back and watch. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. The most central place to stay is in Bowmore, but anywhere would do as distances aren't that great. If you are planning a trip to Islay, or are simply looking to get inspired, this post brings together all the essential practical information that you need to get started, from how to plan your journey and get around the island, to choosing accommodation and which distilleries to visit. Transport to Islay | islay.com The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries. The campsite is quite basic and you dont get many facilities other than water stands and a toilet block which also has showers, but then youre allowed to pitch your tent anywhere you like and the views are stunning. The first day is a wash for practical purposes. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled: 60 6.5 = 390 miles. Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides close to the Isle of Islay. This is the most obvious route and a very lovely drive through Argyll's beautiful countryside. I have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island. The cheapest way to travel to Islay is by ferry from Kennacraig.
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