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City guide

Islay Island

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Known as "The Queen of the Hebrides", it lies in Argyll and Bute just south west of Jura and around 40 kilometres north of the Northern Irish coast.

Type Island

Why go

  • Island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
  • Served by Islay Airport (ILY).

History

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Known as "The Queen of the Hebrides", it lies in Argyll and Bute just south west of Jura and around 40 kilometres north of the Northern Irish coast. The island's capital is Bowmore where the distinctive round Kilarrow Parish Church and a distillery are located. Port Ellen is the main port.

Airports

Islay Airport (ILY) 4.7 mi to the centre
Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 1 airline (Flybe) · direct flights to 1 destination incl. Glasgow (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 1 direct destination
  • Flybe BE (Saab 340) · 1 route: Glasgow*

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Colonsay Airstrip (CSA) 21 mi to the centre
Colonsay, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Knockrome Airstrip 15 mi to the centre
Isle of Jura, Argyll and Bute, SCT, GB
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Port Askaig Ferry Tetminal
Ferry terminal · 8.4 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Port Askaig Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 8.4 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Port Ellen Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 8.5 mi from the centre · Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMal)
Outdoor
Feolin
Ferry terminal · 8.7 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Jura Ferry
Ferry terminal · 8.7 mi from the centre · ASP on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council
Outdoor
Jura Passenger Ferry
Ferry terminal · 12 mi from the centre · JuraDevelopment Trust
Outdoor
Port Askaig - Feolin
Ferry route · ASP Ship Management
Outdoor
Port Askaig - Colonsay
Ferry route · Caledonian MacBrayne
Outdoor
Kennacraig - Port Ellen
Ferry route · Caledonian MacBrayne
Outdoor
Kennacraig - Port Askaig
Ferry route · Caledonian MacBrayne
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Islay Airport (ILY); 2 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: ILY has direct flights to 1 destination on 1 airline (incl. Glasgow). By water: 6 ferry terminals within 12 mi (nearest: Port Askaig Ferry Tetminal, 8.4 mi); routes include Port Askaig - Feolin, Port Askaig - Colonsay, Kennacraig - Port Ellen.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Islay Island. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach