Dog Friendly On Islay
Enjoy our guide to dog friendly venues across Islay. From world famous whisky distilleries, to coffee shops and restaurants, did you know that Islay welcomes dogs too?
With amazing landscapes to hike, hills to climb, woodland tracks to walk, and not forgetting the huge open beaches, your dogs are bound to enjoy their island escape as much as you do.
Enjoy staying in our dog friendly accommodation at Persabus. Our cosy cottages each have their own private garden, perfect for dogs. Or book your dog into the farmhouse bed and breakfast suite. A warm welcome awaits.
Dog Friendly Taxis
Whether you’re needing a lift to the ferry, or want a tour of the island, Attic Cabs are happy to accept pets in their taxis.
Dog Friendly Places to dine on Islay
It is always worth phoning ahead to check the availability and make a booking, but lots of places have a warm Islay welcome for ‘well behaved owners’ and their dogs. Islay really is a very dog friendly island!
Bridgend Hotel
Goodness the staff in Katie’s Bar at Bridgend Hotel know how to make a dog feel welcome. Tiggy just loves her visits there to retrieve the Happy Farmer from the bar. There’s always lots of love and fuss for furry visitors. Delicious treats, and a bowl of cool Islay water, on request, make a perfect refreshment for your dog after a walk through the neighbouring Bridgend woods.
Dogs are most welcome inside in Katie’s Bar, at the hotel, or on a sunny day why not enjoy a seat in the courtyard at the front of the hotel.
Katie’s Bar is a very popular venue for dogs and their owners.
Craigard Kitchen, Ballygrant
This friendly coffee shop, tucked on the corner in the village of Ballygrant, is incredibly popular for lunches and the most delicious home baking.
Your dog will get a warm welcome indoors and outside. It’s always worth checking ahead as it is one of the ‘go to’ places on Islay, so does get full on busy days.
Outside there is a small area for dogs to enjoy the sunshine with their owners, but do note it is next to a busy road.
Labels, Bowmore
On Shore Street in Bowmore, this popular café and gorgeous emporium, is well worth a visit. Know that dogs and their owners will be sure to get a fantastic Islay welcome from Lyn and her team.
Enjoy delicious baking, lunches and coffee. Dogs are welcome indoors. It’s a great place to buy a gift or too as well.
Little Charlotte’s Cafe, Port Ellen
A delightful place to enjoy coffee, baking and light lunches with your pooch.
Bowmore Hotel
Bowmore Hotel, allows dogs in Luccis Whisky Bar at lunch and dinner times, or on sunny days head to the decked area in the gardens.
Browse your way through a spectacular menu, and don’t forget to treat your dog too.
Port Charlotte Hotel
Port Charlotte Hotel have a fabulous bar, with a cosy country pub atmosphere. Dogs are not allowed in the bar or restaurant but there is seating outside where you can sit in the sunshine with your dog and enjoy a dram of Islay malt. Isabelle and Grahame offer a warm welcome, and great food, definitely one to visit.
Islay’s Plaice
This fabulous chippy in Bowmore has a dine in option too and dogs are very welcome to sit in. Tuck into traditional fish and chips, or pop by for a cooked breakfast.
Islay Oysters
This popular seafood restaurant allows dogs outside on a beautiful decked area overlooking the shores of Loch Gruinart, Killinallan. There’s great walks in this area too, but as it is farmland do keep dogs on a lead, and do not take dogs through the cows.
Peatzeria
Although dogs aren’t able to dine indoors, outside there is a fabulous terrace, which is covered, and heated. Overlooking the sea it makes for a fabulous dining experience. Or book an indoor spot in the dome where again your dog will be most welcome to join you.
Cafaidh Blasta, Bowmore
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of this beautiful island with a visit to Cafaidh Blasta (Islay Gaelic Centre) Bowmore. Dogs are most welcome, and with delicious food, alongside their new immersive visitor centre it is well worth a visit.
An Tigh Seinnse, Portnahaven
One of Islay’s treasures, this cosy village pub welcomes dogs and their owners. Enjoy delicious bar food and a dram of a good Islay malt, whilst your dog savours the delights of a huge Islay welcome.
Debbie’s Coffee Shop, Bruichladdich
Definitely worth a visit, with delicious coffee and bacon rolls on offer, it is the meeting hub for the Islay farmers, Distillery workers, hoteliers and more. Dogs are most welcome indoors, and on the patio outside, overlooking the delights of Lochindaal.
Dog Friendly Distilleries
Whilst dogs are not able to savour the delights of a whisky tour, most of the Islay Distilleries welcome dogs in their visitor centres, bars and cafés.
Bruichladdich Distillery
To quote their fabulous staff ‘All dogs (and well behaved humans) are welcome in the Laddie Shop at Bruichladdich Distillery.
Kilchoman Distillery
Take your dog along to sample the delights of Kilchoman Distillery. With a spacious restaurant, your four legged friend will be made very welcome. I have taken our flatcoat, along with my brother’s lurcher, for a delicious lunch. The dogs were even given treats and a bowl of water.
If it is busy indoors, or a sunny day, there are also picnic benches in the courtyard.
Enjoy hearty bowls of soup, freshly made sandwiches and paninis, not forgetting the delicious home baking. At busy times booking is advisable.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
What’s not to love? Situated in one of Islay’s most scenic places, Bunnahabhain Distillery’s visitor centre even has a delicious jar of dog treats ready for their furry four legged visitors. Tiggy, our dog simply loved the fuss and dog biscuits she received from the friendly staff. A fantastic place to visit on Islay if you are visiting with your dog.
Caol ila Distillery
Well behaved dogs are most welcome in the Distillery Visitor Centre at Caol ila. Take along your four legged friend and enjoy delicious cocktails, cheese or meat platters, tea, coffee and home baking.
Laphroaig Distillery
Laphroaig Distillery welcomes pets and their well behaved owners in the shop, bar and museum. Enjoy a wee tipple of your favourite whisky at the bar. There is also an outdoor seating area too.
Lagavulin Distillery
Lagavulin Distillery offers another fantastic dog friendly venue for you to enjoy exploring. Well behaved dog owners welcome too!
Dog Friendly Venues
Islay Natural History Museum
Head along with your dog to the Islay Natural History Museum to learn more about Islay’s geology and wildlife. In the spring and summer enjoy one of their guided workshops or walks. Dogs and their family’s welcome.
Dog Friendly Spa Experiences
Woof Wash Islay
A great if your dog is needing a ‘spruce up’. The ideal ‘spa treatment’ to get your sandy/muddy pooch bathed and dried ready for their journey home. Or why not book a full groom? There’s certainly lots of pampering options available to get your dogs looking shiny, clean and refreshed.
Tel: 07954 085 630 email: [email protected]
I hope you enjoy the recommendations, if you have further suggestions to add do get in touch
