Kildalton Cross


A pleasant drive or ride leads past the distilleries to ruined Kildalton Chapel, 8 miles from Port Ellen. In the kirkyard is the exceptional late 8th-century Kildalton Cross. There are carvings of biblical scenes on one side and animals on the other.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ardbeg

3.9 MILES

Ardbeg's iconic peaty whiskies start with their magnificent 10-year-old. The basic tour is good, and it also offers longer tours involving walks, stories…

2. Lagavulin

4.61 MILES

Peaty and powerful, this is one of the triumvirate of southern distilleries near Port Ellen. The Core Range tour (£15) is a good option, cutting out much…

3. Laphroaig

5.61 MILES

Laphroaig produces famously peaty whiskies just outside Port Ellen. Of the various premium tastings that it offers, the 'Water to Whisky' tour (£100) is…

4. Islay Ales

10.62 MILES

This microbrewery in a craft-shop complex by Islay House produces a range of real ales, all bottled by hand. After a complimentary tour, you can taste the…

5. Bowmore Distillery

10.79 MILES

In the centre of Bowmore, this distillery malts its own barley. The tour begins with an overblown marketing video, but is redeemed by a look at (and taste…

6. Isle of Jura Distillery

10.92 MILES

There aren't a whole lot of indoor attractions on the island of Jura apart from visiting the Isle of Jura Distillery. The standard tour runs twice a day,…

7. Jura Church

11.45 MILES

It's worth stopping at this humble but attractive white church for its interesting collection of historical photographs upstairs.

8. Finlaggan

11.59 MILES

Three miles from Port Askaig, tumbledown ruins of houses and a chapel on an islet in a shallow loch mark what remains of the stronghold of the Lords of…