Islay Whisky Festival 2025: Highlights, Distilleries & How to Plan Your Trip

Each year, whisky lovers from around the world descend on a small Hebridean island with a big reputation: Islay. The Islay Whisky Festival, known locally as Fèis Ìle, is a week-long celebration of smoky drams, traditional music, and unforgettable island hospitality- and 2025’s edition was a standout.

Whether you made it this year or are already planning your trip for next, here’s your complete guide to the festival, including 2025 highlights, participating distilleries, and tips to help plan your Islay whisky adventure.

 What is the Islay Whisky Festival (Fèis Ìle)?

Held annually in late May, Fèis Ìle spans 8-10 days of tastings, tours, ceilidhs, music, food, and storytelling at distilleries across the island. It’s a rare opportunity to experience Islay’s world-famous producers up close, meet the people behind the drams, and enjoy exclusive festival bottlings released each year.

It’s more than just whisky- it’s a celebration of community, island spirit, and the deep culture behind every pour.

 Distilleries That Took Part in the 2025 Festival

Each distillery typically hosts its own open day filled with special events, tastings, and limited-edition releases. In 2025, participating distilleries included:

• Lagavulin- Legendary warehouse tastings and beachside drams

• Laphroaig- Peat-cutting experiences and a standout festival bottling

• Ardbeg- A cosmic-themed Ardbeg Day, with cocktails and immersive tastings

• Bruichladdich- The return of Rock’ndaal with live music and rare releases

• Bunnahabhain- Coastal tastings and behind-the-scenes distillery tours

• Caol Ila- Elegant drams with spectacular views from the revamped visitor centre

• Bowmore, Kilchoman, and Ardnahoe also brought vibrant energy to the week

 Highlights from Fèis Ìle 2025

Some of the most memorable moments from this year’s festival included:

• Ardbeg Day 2025: Featured cosmic cocktails, interactive tastings, and space-themed décor

• Lagavulin: Fire-lit courtyard sessions returned, pairing whisky with live folk music

• Laphroaig: Their 2025 festival release drew rave reviews for its rich, smoky-sweet complexity

• Bruichladdich: Hosted Rock’ndaal with live sets from Saint Phnx and Nathan Evans

• Late-night ceilidhs: Locals and visitors danced long into the evening across the island

 How to Plan Your Visit to Islay

Getting There

You can fly from Glasgow or take the ferry from Kennacraig to Port Askaig or Port Ellen. Either way, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Inner Hebrides.

Getting Around

Pre-book taxis or hire a driver- availability is limited during the festival. Local shuttle buses also run between events during the week.

Top Planning Tips:

• Book distillery events well in advance- many sell out within days of being announced

• Pack waterproofs- Islay’s weather can turn quickly

• Download maps and booking details- reception can be patchy across the island

 Where to Stay & Eat on Islay

Best Places to Stay:

• Port Ellen and Bowmore are popular hubs- book early as accommodation fills up fast

Local Foodie Favourites:

• SeaSalt Bistro- Fresh seafood with a view

• Peatzeria- Bowmore’s beloved whisky-pizza mashup

• The Islay Hotel- Cosy bar with a deep whisky list and hearty meals

When to Book for Fèis Ìle 2026

Most distilleries announce their event schedules by early spring, but tours and hotels are often snapped up well before that. If you’re dreaming of attending, we recommend starting your planning in Autumn 2025.

 Explore Distilleries Now with Sip Seekers

At Sip Seekers, we make it easy to discover and book distillery tours across Scotland- including Islay.

Whether you’re already planning next year’s trip or just daydreaming about peaty shores and warm welcomes, we’re here to help you sip, seek, and explore!