What's on
There's lots to do on the island, so please revisit these listings as new events are added.
December 2023
Saturday, December 9-Sunday, December 10
Christmas shopping event at Ballygrant Hall, 11am-3pm.
Thursday, December 14
Kilchoman’s 18th birthday. Watch out for details of the distillery’s birthday celebrations.
Church services
If you would like to attend a church service over the Festive Period, you'll find details at our Islay churches & services page. Some churches also have a website.
Distillery opening times
Islay whisky distilleries generally operate to a different timetable during the winter. Check the details at our Islay distilleries page if you want to book a visit, tasting or tour.
In addition, the Isle of Islay Gin shop is open at Islay House Square, Bridgend, Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm, for tastings and purchases, and to meet the makers. Call 01496 810111.
Ongoing
Islay Archers: we shoot Mondays 7pm-9pm at the Islay High School sports hall, Bowmore, in winter and every Sunday afternoon 2pm-4pm Port Mor, Port Charlotte, in summer (not during Fèis Ìle week). Visitors are always welcome, beginners and experienced archers alike. For more information, just email us.
Ceramic painting at Persabus Pottery: come have a go at painting your very own ceramic piece. The Creative Studio has lots of paints, sponges, brushes, fun writers and more to ensure you get the most from your painting experience. Rosemary will guide you through various techniques before capturing your creative style onto ceramics. Once finished, leave your pieces in the studio. They will be glazed and fired in the kilns and will be ready for collection a day or so later, or for an additional fee they can be posted to you (UK only).
There's no need to book, but please be aware that we operate on a first-come basis, so during peak times or very wet days, try and arrive early to ensure your space. We charge a studio fee of £2 per person (on busy days studio time may be limited to one hour). Open Tuesday to Friday 12pm-4pm, Saturday 12pm-3pm. More details.
Handmade Scottish Tablet: An Gleann is open for the new season. Come and visit for some home-grown preserves, a range of our own honey and beeswax gifts and, of course, lots of new season tablet! See the An Gleann website.
Swimming, gym and sauna, MacTaggart Leisure Centre: features a 25m x 8.5m four-lane pool and gym overlooking Loch Indaal, fully equipped with range of cardio and resistance machines. Five-seater Eco sauna. See here for opening times and further details.
Islay Sea Adventures boat trips: regular tours are now on. Wildlife trips will run Monday to Friday, 10am and 2pm, and Saturdays at 10am. Fishing trips will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays only this year, again at 10am and 2pm. Seafood trips are on Wednesdays at 2pm. (There may be the odd trip on different days if demand allows.)
Trips from Corryveckan are on August 1-4 and 29-31, September 1-2 and 15-18. Times vary depending on the tide. Mull of Oa, Dawn and Dusk trips will run whenever the weather allows. These will be announced via social media. Discover more here.
Bus tours of Jura: discover Jura runs tours seven days a week. They can pick you up and return you to the ferry from Islay, and you’ll be treated to a wonderful day of stories, history and culture plus seeing everything Jura has to offer. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor (search for Jura Island Tours) and see here to whet your appetite.
Live traditional music at the Port Charlotte Hotel, Port Charlotte, every Wednesday and Sunday night. Free music in the bar, start time approx. 8.30pm.
Islay Museum, Port Charlotte: learn more about the history of the island and its inhabitants. Explore our extensive collection of artifacts. The museum, in a former church, has undergone refurbishment this winter. Open Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm.
Islay Nature Centre, Port Charlotte: open every day from 1pm-4pm. Come and find out more about Islay’s flora and fauna and meet some of the sea creatures that inhabit our seas.
Treasure hunts: charity Sidekick has put together some treasure hunts for Islay for children and families to take part in this summer. Several hunts are available; one starts from the information centre in Bowmore, one from the visitor centre at Finlaggan and one from the phone box in Port Wemyss. You can pick up copies of the treasure map at all three locations. Find out more about Sidekick on Facebook.
Made In Islay and Jura Arts and Crafts Market, Bruichladdich Village Hall: every Tuesday and Thursday 10am-4.30pm. Meet local arts and craft people. Original paintings, high-quality prints, photos, books, jewellery, hand-spun wool, quilting and more.
Badminton club: Islay Badminton Association meets in Islay High School every Thursday 7.30pm-9.30pm during term-time until May. Open to anyone 16+. Equipment available.