4 Best Sights in Port Ellen, Argyll and the Isles

Islay Festival of Music and Malt

The last week in May, large numbers of whisky lovers descend on the island for this festival, the heart of which is Port Ellen. Distilleries offer special events, and traditional music performances and ceilidhs take place all over Islay. Book lodgings and distillery tours at least six months ahead.

Kildalton Cross

Of interest only to anyone fascinated by Celtic heritage, this rock slab, engraved with elaborate 8th-century designs that meld pagan and early Christian motifs, stands in the kirkyard of a ruined medieval chapel.

Lagavulin Distillery

Many malt whisky connoisseurs say the Lagavulin is the strongest nosed of all Islay's peaty malt whiskies. You can find out why, and how, with a distillery tour and tasting here.

A846, Port Ellen, Argyll and Bute, PA42 7DZ, Scotland
01496-302749
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tours from £17, Closed Sun. in Nov.--Feb.

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Laphroaig Distillery

Laphroiag (say la-froig) is Islay's most distinctive malt, redolent of peat, seaweed, and iodine. You can take a tour of the distillery, then settle in for a spell of sipping at the whisky bar.

A846, Port Ellen, Argyll and Bute, PA42 7DU, Scotland
01496-302418
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tours from £15, Closed weekends Jan. and Feb.