Dotted around the island are quite a few lovely Islay Villages, each with their own distinct characteristics and history. Most of the Islay villages can be found near the sea, which makes sense. In the olden days trade took place over the sea, not over land. The villages of Portnahaven and Port Wemyss for instance had tight connections with Ballycastle and other villages in Northern Ireland.
Planned Islay Villages
Other (planned) villages such as Bowmore, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte were built on the shores of Loch Indaal because there was a distillery. In the olden days distilleries got their supplies from the mainland by boat and they sent their barrels of whisky back to the mainland, often with the same boat.
Islay villages like Port Ellen and Port Askaig were fishing and ferry villages. And Ballygrant thanks its existence to the lead and silver mines in the area.
Whatever the history, each Islay village is very much worth visiting. Make time to walk around a village and chat to some of the local Islay People. Often you’ll be rewarded with highly interesting stories, mostly of the olden days!
Islay Places & Villages Prints
