The perfect place to start discovering Islay. Comprehensive selection of books, other Islay information and events, and very friendly and helpful staff. For information visit them at Bowmore Square next to Bowmore Distillery, call them at: +44 (0)1496 810254 or email: info@islay.visitscotland.com

The Museum of Islay Life occupies a former church in the village of Port Charlotte. It is open every day from April to the end of October. A small entrance charge is made, with concessions for pensioners, students and families.

A few miles to the south-west of Port Askaig on the island of Islay lies Loch Finlaggan, a place of great importance in Scottish history, In the loch are three islands, two of which lie close to the north shore. These are Eilean Mor (large island) and Eilean na Comhairle (council isle) which contain fragmentary remains of buildings

The Trust runs the Wildlife Information Centre in Port Charlotte where displays illustrate the island's wildlife riches, from its underlying geology to its birds, butterflies, wild flowers and mammals. The Trust publishes an annual report on the birds and other wildlife as well as checklists of birds, butterflies and dragonflies, mammals and reptiles, and wild flowers

Bowmore round church is built in 1767. Folklore says that the round shape is made so there are no corners for the Devil to hide in. The Round Church was built for Daniel Campbell to serve the population of the Parish of Kilarrow. In 1830 a gallery was added to increase the capacity to 500. The church is open to visitors all year

Loch Gruinart is famous for the large numbers of barnacle and white-fronted geese that spend the winter on Islay. The reserve can be seen easily from the road. In the visitor centre, a live video camera lets you get even closer views of the grazing geese

Kilmeny Church of Scotland, one of 17 surviving Parliamentary Churches still in use, was built in 1828. It is a grade B listed building situated in secluded grounds above the village of Ballygrant on the Hebridean island of Islay. Access is from the main Port Askaig - Bowmore road about 4 miles from the ferry terminal

Comprehensive bird watching tours of Islay. Travel by Landrover Defender - Birds, wildlife, wilderness and culture - Each course customised to your needs - Bushcraft courses also available - Wilderness walks - Special family activities - 6 persons maximum. Office in mainstreet Port Charlotte

The Centre is able to tailor rides to the riders' ability, from the youngest of riders to the most experienced. Prices are kind to the pocket and all riders receive individual attention from Centre staff. The length of rides are from one to two hours responding to riders' expertise and horses' fitness.

Islay Bushcraft offers you the opportunity to taste life on the outer edge (in every sense) and wonder at this Hebridean splendour - one of the few real wilderness places left in Britain - where, since Mesolithic times, humans have lived side by side with Mother Nature.

Jura: 180 people, 5000 deer and one whisky distillery. The perfect conditions for a very special and magical place. Jura is part of the southern Hebrides and is only accessible by the ferry from Port Askaig on Islay to Feolin over the sound of Islay. Ferry services are regular (every 15 minutes) untill 5 in the afternoon.

The American Monument High on the Oa at Upper Killeyan and overlooking the sea in which 266 Americans died when the HMS Tuscania was torpedoed on February 5 1918. The monument is shaped like a lighthouse and was built by the Government of The United States on the 400ft cliffs, seven miles from where the ship went down.

The best way to visit Islay's seven Distilleries and Craighouse on Jura, from the sea. Operating a state of the art Redbay Stormforce 11 Rigid Inflatable, Islay Sea Safari is based on the Isle of Islay, Scotland and available for corporate or private charter anywhere around the isles of Islay, Jura, Gigha, Northern Ireland and as far north as Tiree.

The Mactaggart Leisure Centre is a community owned and run business which has won four nationally recognised awards. It comprises a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness studio, sauna, tancab, launderette, multi purpose activity room and sports kiosk. The swimming pool is also home for the Islay Masters Swimming Club

Islay boasts a wide variety of wonderful scenery and habitats, including wild open moorland and hills, unspoilt beaches and cliffs, mixed woodland and mudflats, all of which offer amazing birding – over 100 species being present on the island all year round.

Trout and Salmon Fishing is possible on several rivers and lochs depending on season and day of the week. Fishing is however restricted in most parts of Islay and permits and/or approval should be obtained at the serveral estate offices on Islay. The newsagent in Port Ellen sells permits for Loch Kinnabus and Glen Astil and can be contacted at tel: (01496) 302 264.

Cycling on Islay is very well possible and there are several places to rent a bike. There is a bike rental at Port Charlotte and at the post office at Bowmore. Check out the phone numbers page for the appropriate numbers. furthermore the website thewashingmachinepost has more information about cycling on Islay.

With so much stunning nature available walking is one of the best activities to fully discover Islay's splendour. There are several very attractive walks on Islay and the "Walks Page" offers fifteen interesting and challenging walks.

There are many reasons why you have to come and play the Machrie Golf Links, not least to discover why so many golfers find it a bewitching and exalting experience. This should explain enough about the possibilities of playing golf and the pleasure it can provide. Check out the Machrie website for more information about golf on Islay. And Islay has its own Golf Club with competitions etc. You will find more info here

Islay also has an official campsite. The campsite is located near Kintra Farm just outside Port Ellen and is next to the Big Strand, a 9 mile strech of unspoilt beach with superb views over Loch Indaal toward Port Charlotte and Portnahaven. In 2007 the new campsite at Port Charlotte will be opened. Use the link above for up to date and more comprehensive information.