Distillery region, Scotland
Distilleries on Islay
Islay has 11 whisky distilleries, including the reopened Port Ellen and the new Laggan Bay. Ten advertise visitor experiences, although Port Ellen requires an appointment. Bowmore continues to welcome visitors during its 2026 production pause.
- Port Ellen has reopened, with visits by appointment only
- Ardnahoe offers a 90-minute distillery tour
- Bowmore tours continue while production is paused
- Kennacraig ferries use Port Askaig during the Port Ellen terminal closure
Map of Islay distilleries
Distilleries to know
Laphroaig
Book an experience through the distillery's visitor page.
Port Ellen. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteLagavulin
The distillery recommends arranging taxis well in advance.
Port Ellen. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteArdbeg
The Classic Distillery Tour & Drams lasts 75 minutes.
Port Ellen. Whisky, tours.
Official websitePort Ellen
Appointment only; walk-in visits are not accepted.
Port Ellen. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteBowmore
Production is paused for the rest of 2026; tours remain available. Closed Sundays.
Bowmore. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteBruichladdich
The guided distillery tour lasts 90 minutes; there is no café or restaurant.
Bruichladdich. Whisky, Gin, tours.
Official websiteKilchoman
Book tours through the distillery; café reservations are handled separately.
Rockside. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteCaol Ila
The nearest bus stop is a 15-minute walk away; buses do not run on Sundays.
Port Askaig. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteArdnahoe
The approach includes two miles of single-track road; parking is available.
Port Askaig. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteBunnahabhain
Tours take up to 12 people; book ahead.
Bunnahabhain. Whisky, tours.
Official websiteLaggan Bay
Production has begun. No public tour programme could be verified on the official site.
Laggan Bay. Whisky, no public tours.
Official website
Tour and opening details change; confirm with each distillery before you travel.
Visit guides for Islay
| Distillery | Region | Spirit | Entry tour | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagavulin Distillery | Islay, whisky | Whisky | £22 | 1 hr 30 min |
| Laphroaig Distillery | Islay, whisky | Whisky | £22 | 1 hr 30 min |
| Ardbeg Distillery | Islay, whisky | Whisky | £22.50 | 1 hr 15 min |
| Bowmore Distillery | Islay, whisky | Whisky | See guide | |
| Bruichladdich Distillery | Islay, whisky and gin | Whisky, Gin | £15 | 90 min |
| Kilchoman Distillery | Islay, whisky | Whisky | £18 | 1 hr 15 min |
| Caol Ila Distillery | Islay, whisky | Whisky | £21 | 90 min |
| Bunnahabhain Distillery | Islay, whisky | Whisky | £20 | 50 minutes |
Planning a visit
CalMac gives a crossing time of 1 hour 55 minutes from Kennacraig to Port Askaig. Book vehicle space before fixing your tour itinerary. Port Ellen ferry terminal is closed from 2 June 2026 until 2029; this does not close the village or its distilleries. We suggest two booked experiences a day, with separate days for the Port Ellen area, the north-east and the west. Reserve tours before travelling and arrange a driver or taxi if tasting. Bruichladdich's standard tour, from £15, is a lower-cost introduction. Port Ellen Reborn, from £250 for 90 minutes, suits someone specifically interested in that distillery; skip it if you mainly want an affordable explanation of whisky production.
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