Islay’s long history is lovingly recorded in this museum, housed in the former Free Church. Prize exhibits include an illicit still, 19th-century crofters’ furniture, and a set of leather boots once worn by the horse that pulled the lawnmower at Islay House (so it wouldn’t leave hoof prints on the lawn!).
Museum of Islay Life
Islay
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
10.29 MILES
Three miles from Port Askaig, tumbledown ruins of houses and a chapel on an islet in a shallow loch mark what remains of the stronghold of the Lords of…
19.76 MILES
If the tide is right, don't miss walking across the half-mile of cockleshell-strewn sand linking Colonsay to smaller Oronsay. Here you can explore the…
1.76 MILES
A couple of miles from Port Charlotte, Bruichladdich (brook-lad-dy) is an infectiously fun distillery to visit and produces a mind-boggling range of…
3.67 MILES
Likeable Kilchoman, set on a farm, is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries. It grows and malts some of its own barley here and does its own bottling by…
25.18 MILES
Subtropical plants thrive in Gigha's Achamore Gardens, the island's principal sight. Rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas take advantage of the…
12.7 MILES
Ardbeg's iconic peaty whiskies start with their magnificent 10-year-old. The basic tour is good, and it also offers longer tours involving walks, stories…
13.83 MILES
Pronounced ‘boona-hah-ven’, this distillery is 4 miles north of Port Askaig down a narrow road. It enjoys a wonderful location with great views across to…
13.4 MILES
Two miles down the narrow road towards Bunnahabhain, this new independent distillery was due to begin production just after the time of research. It's in…
Nearby Islay attractions
1. Islay Natural History Centre
0.09 MILES
Under the Islay SYHA in Port Charlotte, this centre has displays explaining the island’s natural history, with advice on where to see wildlife and lots of…
1.76 MILES
A couple of miles from Port Charlotte, Bruichladdich (brook-lad-dy) is an infectiously fun distillery to visit and produces a mind-boggling range of…
3.6 MILES
In the centre of Bowmore, this distillery malts its own barley. The tour begins with an overblown marketing video, but is redeemed by a look at (and taste…
3.67 MILES
Likeable Kilchoman, set on a farm, is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries. It grows and malts some of its own barley here and does its own bottling by…
5.77 MILES
This microbrewery in a craft-shop complex by Islay House produces a range of real ales, all bottled by hand. After a complimentary tour, you can taste the…
6. Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve
5.82 MILES
Seven miles north of Port Charlotte is Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, where you can hear corncrakes in summer and see huge flocks of migrating ducks, geese…
10.29 MILES
Three miles from Port Askaig, tumbledown ruins of houses and a chapel on an islet in a shallow loch mark what remains of the stronghold of the Lords of…
11.83 MILES
Laphroaig produces famously peaty whiskies just outside Port Ellen. Of the various premium tastings that it offers, the 'Water to Whisky' tour (£100) is…