Shopping for gifts on Islay

If you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs during your visit to Islay, take a look at our guide to the best local gift shops. Here are some of our favourite shopping destinations close to our pizza restaurant in Bowmore and across the island.

The Islay Shop

47 Main Street, Bowmore, Islay, PA43 7JJ

The Islay Shop is a fantastic store located in Bowmore. It sells pretty much everything you could need, from everyday items to gifts and souvenirs. It’s the largest retailer on the island, offering friendly service and a huge range of products.

The Celtic House

Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay, PA43 7LD

The Celtic House is our local gift and book store. It dates from 1959 and specialises in Celtic and Scottish gifts, jewellery, knitwear, books, maps and more. In addition, it has its own coffee shop, which serves up hot drinks and delicious homemade cakes!

Islay Whisky Shop

Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay, PA43 7LB

Also in Bowmore, you’ll find the fabulous Islay Whisky Shop. This food shop and deli stocks a very wide selection of whiskies from the island, along with wine, gin, beer and other drinks. If you’re looking for a bottle of Islay whisky to take home, this is the place to come!

Islay Woollen Mill

Bridgend, Islay, PA44 7PG

Around a 5-minute drive away, near Bridgend, the Islay Woollen Mill produces fine woven fabrics, available to purchase as rugs, scarves, caps, jackets, ties and other items. The mill’s designs have been featured in Holywood movies such as Braveheart, Rob Roy and Forest Gump.

Islay Studios

Islay House Square, Bridgend, Islay, PA44 7NZ

Run by photographer Mark Unsworth, Islay Studios in Bridgend sells a variety of framed and unframed prints and photographs of Islay. A lovely, welcoming gallery to browse or buy from, with coffee and cake available too.

The Blue Letterbox

66 Frederick Crescent, Port Ellen, Islay, PA42 7BD

The Blue Letterbox is an arts and crafts shop and post office in nearby Port Ellen. It sells jewellery, paintings, ceramics, photography, local produce such as honey and jam, and other unique items. There’s always something new to see, with stock regularly arriving from local artists.

Islay Celtic Craft Shop

8 Claddach, Portnahaven, Islay, PA47 7SY

If you’re visiting Portnahaven village, call into Islay Celtic Craft Shop for handmade items and local gifts, including leatherwork, jewellery and paintings. The store specialises in personalised leatherwork, so you can have something unique created just for you.

We hope you enjoy shopping on Islay and manage to pick up the perfect gift or souvenir from your travels. After a busy day at the shops, why not pop into Peatzeria to refuel? Treat yourself to a handmade pizza with fresh, local toppings … and relax!