Pubs & bars
Most pubs and bars on Islay can be found in the hotels and inns listed on this site. Some of them have regular traditional Scottish and Irish live music and most of them serve bar meals.
An Tigh Seinnse
An Tigh Seinnse in Portnahaven has now reopened under new management as a traditional, welcoming pub with a great atmosphere and often a cosy fire, loved by locals and visitors alike. It serves fresh local seafood, a range of high-quality homemade dishes and affordable beers. It also offers takeaway coffees for those exploring the lovely fishing village of Portnahaven with its harbour, seals and views of Orsay Island and lighthouse, and beyond.
Ardview Inn
The Ardview Inn is a cosy welcoming pub in Port Ellen where a mixture of locals and visitors can be expected. It’s a traditional meeting point with jukebox and pool table and a relaxed atmosphere. There is a wide selection of Islay whisky on offer as well as very reasonably-priced beers if you’re not drinking spirits. The beer-related art on the walls adds additional charm to the place. It has also been fully refurbished to make your visit an even better experience. It’s best to get there early if you want a seat as it can get busy, which also means waiting a little longer before you're served at the bar!
Ballygrant Inn Whisky Bar
The Islay Whisky Bar in the Ballygrant Inn has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and beautiful views out across to the Paps of Jura. As well as an interesting wine list to accompany the food, there’s an impressive collection of single malt whiskies, local beers and ales, Scottish artisan gins and plenty of non-alcoholic options. It also has a dart board, an extensive whisky library and a log-burning stove.
Bowmore Hotel Bar
The Bowmore Hotel Bar stocks a modest range of beers and lagers from near and far. Only to be outdone by their collection of fine Scottish Malt Whisky (over 700 malt whiskies, mostly from Islay). An extensive range of affordable, high quality bar meals is always available and the venue is a hub for the music community in Islay.
THE Lochside
The Lochside has a whisky range like no other. From cracking core drams to true one-off moments in time, its range of over 200 whiskies encapsulates all that makes Islay whisky special. While The Lochside holds many rare and unique bottlings, it also offers extensive core ranges from each of Islay’s distilleries, showcasing a variety of styles and finishes, as well as distillery exclusives. The Lochside creates bespoke whisky flights for guests based on their tastes and preferences; and it offers a selection of amazing whisky cocktails. Alongside the impressive whisky range, there’s a great selection of craft gins and rums from Islay, Jura and beyond; a range of draught beers and bottled beers and ciders – including alcohol-free options; and a wonderful wine list.
Bridgend Hotel Katie’s Bar
Katie’s Bar in the Bridgend Hotel is respectfully named after their retired 80-year-old barmaid. The warm welcome that Katie previously offered continues, whether for a quick visit or to settle in and relax in front of the wood burning stove. You can sample the wares of the well-stocked bar or enjoy a more informal surrounding for lunch or dinner after a day’s activity on Islay. The bar has a selection of all Islay’s famous whisky, Islay Ales, local gins, and much more.
harbour Inn SCHOONER Bar
The Schooner Bar in the Bowmore Harbour Inn is cosy, warm and unsurprisingly has a very large selection of whiskies. There’s even a detailed guidebook available to introduce each option. You can always head to this bar for a dram and a seafood snack if you don’t want the full restaurant menu. It’s also worth noting that Bowmore Distillery is a two- minute walk away.
Lochindaal Hotel BarS
The Lochindaal Hotel in Port Charlotte has two bars. They boast an impressive collection of rare and unusual Islay and other malt whiskies. The public bar has a pool table and a dart board. The lounge bar has a pleasant dining area with tables and seating for up to 24 guests. It’s comfortable and cosy with an open fire and is where most meals are served. Fresh bean to cup coffee is served all day in both bars.
Port Charlotte Hotel Bar
The bar at the Port Charlotte Hotel oozes charm and tradition. The bespoke carved wooden bar has an enviable selection of whiskies from Islay, as well as a full range of quality beers, wines and spirits including local Islay ales and gins. A range of bar meals are served at lunchtime and in the evening with advanced booking recommended, particularly in the busy spring and summer season. The cosy and convivial atmosphere in the bar makes it a hub for locals and visitors alike.
Port Askaig Hotel Old Port Bar
The Old Port Bar in the Port Askaig Hotel is the oldest continually licensed premises on the island (dating from the 16th Century). It carries an extensive selection of Islay Malts in addition to a display of old and rare bottles, which may interest the visitor. They also sell a good blended whisky. The bar is part of what is an old drove inn situated in arguably the best coastal location in Islay. The hotel also has a second "Snug Bar" which is ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a cosy evening with friends.