Islay trip

might be a place to start... (it's amazing what google can do)

Roger

I've been twice and will be going back.. it is a great place.. getting there is either by Caledonian McBride Ferry or very expensive flight..

We need to know more about what you like to do before giving recomendations but..

1) eat at least one meal at the Ardbeg restaurant 2) visit the bird sanctuary 3) visit some distilleries

I had hoped that this would be obvious, but let me just state that I have already checked google, and I was hoping for more anecdotal advice from people on this NG who have visited Islay.

Thanks, Aaron

I'm going by motorcycle, so I'll be taking the Ferry. I'm definitely going to check out Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. I am a Friend of Laphroaig, so I'll be visiting my square foot of land, as well. The Ardbeg restaurant sounds like it might be a nice break from camp food. Thanks for the suggestions!

-Aaron

I can't think of a better way to see the island than by motorcycle.. except Laphroaig..at the end of their tour they give you the option of a vertical tasting for cheap all the way up to the 40y/o.. well worth taking it.. but you don't really want to try and drive away. (walk over to Ardbeg and have a meal afterwards).

Ardbeg and Laphroaig were two of my favorite tours, Bruichladdich was also a good tour .. as wa Caol ila though theirs was VERY different from most .. all about how modern and automated everything is. Bunahabbin is a nice side jaunt if you are up that way, it is amazing how the giant trucks navigate the little road, but there was nothing special about the tour. Same for Bowmore and Lagavoulin (if you like the whisky you should go, but go first and save Ardbeg and Laphroaig for the last.)

My favourite place was Port Charlotte - the hotel is great - super food, real ale and good value malts. The Lochindaal across the road is great as well. Make sure you try the Islay ales - say hello to brewer Paul Capper from me. Also make sure you visit the Croft Restaurant - booking essential.

Try and visit all the distilleries as well. Ardbeg is great for a hearty lunch. The Oa is great for the wildlife. Look out for the visitors evenings, once a week on a variety of topics. We enjoyed the one at Lagavulin Hall!

For some cheap fast food, try The Nippy Chippy van that stops in Bowmore square on Thursday evenings. Fish 'n chips or deep fried haggis- a must.

Also try Islay oysters and Islay Ales.

Mac

Aar>The Ardbeg restaurant sounds like it might be a nice break from camp food.

Hi

I must say that I have enjoyed all the destillery visits on Islay. The destilleries ARE different. Some have visitor centres with guides and restaurents and some keep it vrey simple like Bunnahabhain. But I enjoyed my two tours at Bunnahabhain as it was done by the Stillman which will be different than tours by guides. Said that I have to add (in fairness) that the guides on Islay are much better than guides are on the mainland.

I can recommend Port Charlotte Hotel - real ale - atmossphere - and a huge whisky bar. Last year they had 96 different Islay/Jura whiskies. The restaurent next door is excellent but on the expensive side. But you get value for your money

Dont miss a trip to Jura if you can spare the time (To get away from it all .....- very quiet Island)

MacDeffe

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, this is great.

- I will be walking/bussing/taxiing to the Laphroaig tour.

- I won't be there on a Thursday evening, but I will track down the Nippy Chippy to his lair and eat the deep fried haggis.

- I will check out Islay Ales and say hi to brewer Paul Capper from Brett.

- I really only have the time/resources for one good meal, probably at Ardbeg. I'll have to check out Port Charlotte Hotel and the Croft next time. Thanks again. I'll post photos when I get back.

-Aaron

whoa.......... i thought u meant trrip as in a trip to the far reaches of one;s mind

for a minute there i thought there was someone cool at this ng

i did enough in about 12 years to last me a life time :0) used to get the munchies, hence the name. does that qualify

ok there is one cool person here (excludingme)