Ardbeg Distillery
Àird Bheag
The easternmost of the three distilleries on the south coast, with very high peat levels. The Old Kiln Café inside the distillery is a popular lunch spot on the island.
Ardbeg was founded in 1815 and is known for its high peat content and complex notes of citrus and smoke. It closed in the 1980s, but was revived under Glenmorangie and has many devoted fans. The distillery offers tours ranging from basic visits to multiple cask tastings, and you must book on the official website. The on-site Old Kiln Café serves local seafood and home cooking, and it's a good place to plan lunch. It is about 5 km from Port Ellen, roughly a one-hour walk along the trail.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–17:00 (shorter in winter; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Dunyvaig Castle
- Lagavulin Distillery
- Laphroaig Distillery
- Kildalton Cross
- Port Ellen Distillery
- Singing Sands (Tràigh Bhàn)
- Islay Woollen Mill
- Finlaggan