There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. How you choose to travel to Islay will depend on how much time you have, your budget, and where you’re coming from. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. The abundance of peat in the rugged landscape makes Islay the perfect ‘whisky island’, and it is this natural fossil fuel which gives Islay single malt its classic, smoky flavour. The island sits between the Kintyre Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland, which looks surprisingly close on a clear day.Īt 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it’s rich, fertile land has earned the island its nickname as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’. Islay is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, and forms part of a group of islands which are also referred to as the Southern Hebrides: it’s closest neighbours are Jura, Gigha and Colonsay. Islay is pronounced “EYE-LA” and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. Islay does not require a ‘say it as you see it’ approach, so if you’ve been calling it “EYE-LAY”, it’s time to stand corrected and drop the “Y”. For ideas on how to spend your time on the island, check out my other post on the best things to do on Islay.īefore we proceed, let’s address the all-important issue of pronunciation. 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. Islay will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and not just by drinking drams! I have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island. My fondness for Islay grows with every visit, and while I experience new things each time, I always leave pining for more. That said, there is so much more to Islay’s charm than its golden drams: the landscape, the light, the coast, the cuisine, and the locals. Whisky is, of course, Islay’s ultimate claim to fame it is a way of life on this windswept isle. 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. Islay has fast become the island that I know best. Check out my other blog on the top things to do on Islay. This post was written as part of a paid campaign with Explore Islay & Jura and the information is based on my various visits to the island. If you’re planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island.
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