Things to do on Islay in the Evening

9th April 2019

Our Guide to Islay Nightlife

A holiday on Islay is all about sitting back and enjoying life at a slower pace. That doesn’t mean that there’s a shortage of Islay nightlife though! You’ll find plenty of things to do on Islay as the sunsets. Here are our top picks.

Find a cosy corner for dinner

Islay is packed with cosy, welcoming inns and restaurants to make eating out a real occasion. Including our very own Peatzeria! Our pizza restaurant is in a converted church building and serves some of Islay’s most unusual pizzas. Why not sample our Bradan Rost and Smoked Mussles Pizza or our Islay Crab pizza, for something a little different? An extensive menu of delicious pizza, pasta and more is washed down with a great wine list. But there are also plenty of Islay gins and malts on the drinks list too.  Plus, if you book a stay at Islay Cottages, you’ll enjoy 10% off your food bill! Islay Cottages are self-catering holiday cottages in Kilchoman and Bowmore, close to all the island’s attractions. 

  • Wine bottle and glasses on restaurant table
  • A vegetarian pizza in Peatzeria restaurant on Islay
  • Row of gin cocktails on a bar top

Get your dancing shoes on

Let it never be said that Islay nightlife is dull. You’re sure to find a ceilidh happening somewhere on Islay, whatever the time of year. Come to the island in May and you can be part of Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music. This week-long festival turns the town into one huge ceilidh, with live music, pipe bands, whisky tastings and more.

  • Restaurant table in Peatzeria
  • Couple dancing at a ceilidh
  • A delicious cookie and ice cream dessert in Peatzeria restaurant on Islay

Enjoy a wee dram

Islay is packed with traditional watering holes, so whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or just want to sample some of the island’s spectacular drams, you’re covered. Head for pubs like the Ballygrant Inn if you’re a whisky fan – they have over 400 malts to choose from. Many pubs on Islay have live traditional Scottish or Irish music. It’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

  • Two hands holding glasses of whisky
  • Playing saxophone at jazz festival

Check out Islay events

Islay has a whole host of regular annual events and one-off events. Take a peek at the Islay events website before your trip to see what’s on. The Islay Jazz Festival in September is a particularly popular three-day event. Here you can see musicians playing in quirky venues across the island.

As you can see, Islay nightlife is happening everywhere you look on this beautiful island. If you’re looking for a restaurant for a special family dinner or a romantic night out, why not book your table at Peatzeria today?