Museum Of Islay Life Isle of Islay

Located in Port Charlotte, the museum houses a large and fascinating collection of objects, books, photographs and stories all illustrative of life in Islay from prehistoric to recent times. Unfortunately, the Gordon Booth Library will remain unavailable for research purposes until further notice. There will be a limit of 12-15 people depending on how visitors come in and we have continued with our one-way system.

Membership of the Museum of Islay Life is open to anyone who is interested in helping the Museum in its aim to conserve and tell the story of Islay. Membership permits free entry to the Museum. All subscriptions received go towards the running of the Museum. The Gordon Booth library holds a collection of books, papers and records of Islay.

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Reviews (10)

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Babel Seventeen

Oct 28, 2021

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Always love coming here. So many great exhibits reflecting Islay life through the ages. Friendly, knowledgeably staff.

Katy Benson

Sep 24, 2021

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Popped in for an hour in between buses. As others have said, amazing what they fit in! Well written descriptions and am interesting snapshot of Islay life over the years, worth a visit!

Sheila MacDougall

Sep 17, 2021

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Wonderful wee museum. Lots of everyday artifacts. A walk down memory lane for an oldie!! Lovely folk to chat too!! Great!!

John Yarker

Sep 15, 2021

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There is a lot of local history in here and wish I had allowed more time to study all the exhibits. The staff were very friendly and informative. I will visit again when I visit Islay again.

Ben C.

Sep 07, 2021

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Very well presented little museum, lots of artefacts about Islay’s past and well worth a visit. Lovely staff also

Rhona Harman

Aug 23, 2021

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Really interesting museum with a fascinating display of local artefacts. All very genuine. Interesting portrayal of the challenges faced by locals and mariners in the wild sea.

Kim Kjaerside

Jul 13, 2021

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Visited with our 5 year old and there's a lot to see, but probably even better for school aged kids. Make sure you pick up the kids quiz

A. Biscotti

Jul 12, 2021

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Very lot of history and culture in this small footprint. Entrance fee for adult is £5. Islay is rightly proud of its history, service and sacrifice for such a small population.
I thoroughly enjoyed it's look back overtime and I really wanted to see the American flag since I had gone to the Mull of Oa and American Monument the day before..

Ian Dicken

Jul 25, 2019

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Amazing collection of artifacts chronicling island life from the first human inhabitants 12,000 years ago up to recent times. Curator was also very happy to chat and knowledgeable. It may be small, but it's well worth a visit.

Brian

May 30, 2018

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Fascinating place to visit. We made a trip to Islay to see the handmade Stars and Stripes made by the local ladies for the American Soldiers lost in the seas around the Island in World War One. The flag has to return to America at the end of the Summer so well worth seeing it while it's here.