Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (The Islay Gaelic College)

At the heart of Islay’s history and heritage is the Islay Gaelic Centre, Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Loch Indaal in Bowmore, Islay, along the road to Bowmore. With a cafe serving lunches and light refreshments, art exhibitions and its new interactive and immersive visitor centre, mapping the history and evolution of Islay’s community through the ages, it is definitely worth a visit.

The Islay Gaelic Centre: Immersive Gaelic Experience

This welcoming centre has long been a beacon for Gaelic language and cultural heritage. In a significant stride towards revitalising Gaelic in the community. Enjoy a visit to the new Gaelic Immersive Experience. A cutting-edge facility designed to engage visitors in a multi-sensory exploration of Islay’s rich Gaelic heritage. Enjoy visiting the 3D cinematic experience, and being guided on a journey across Islay’s rich cultural landscape and heritage. Fantastic drone footage gives a chance to enjoy a bird’s eye view across Islay’s villages and coastlines. With narration from local speakers, it is a story of Islay’s rich heritage and culture. It is a fabulous chance to enjoy Islay’s rich heritage and hear the soft lilt of the poetic Gaelic Language.

Gaelic Learners and Native Gaelic Speakers

If you would are keen to learn Gaelic, do speak to the staff. The Gaelic College offers both in house Gaelic learner courses and online courses via zoom. All levels are welcome. Enjoy delving into Islay’s own Gaelic dialect, which has similarities and differences to the Gaelic dialects of the outer Hebrides.

I am absolutely loving my journey into this rich language, attending weekly lessons via the Islay Gaelic College alongside the Speak Gaelic television series, and podcasts. With so many available resources, what are you waiting for? Anyone can step into the exciting world of learning Gaelic, and the college is here to support and encourage you.

There are Gaelic conversation groups across the island too, so if you are a native Gaelic speaker, or a beginner, the college offers something for everyone, and a visit is highly recommended.

Cafaidh Blasta

Tuck into delicious breakfasts, lunches, home baking and refreshments at Cafaidh Blasta and enjoy chatting to locals as they pop by for their classes in Gaelic, and traditional instruments.

Family History

Delve into the archives of Islay’s population. The staff will be able to help you with questions on family history and heritage, so if your family history dates back to Islay it is definitely worth emailing ahead with any queries or questions.

Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (The Islay Gaelic College) really is an exciting centre, with Islay’s Gaelic roots, community and language at its heart