Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (The Islay Gaelic College)

28 April 2025

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, it houses a new interactive and immersive visitor centre. With a fabulous café too, it is definitely worth popping onto your holiday bucket list. Enjoy browsing through a selection of artwork and crafts on sale. Tuck into delicious refreshments in the cafe, and do visit the interactive, immersive centre.

Writing on a board

The Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (Islay Gaelic Centre) has long been a beacon for Gaelic language and cultural heritage. In a significant stride towards revitalising Gaelic in the community, the Centre has unveiled its new Gaelic Immersive Centre, 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. With fantastic drone footage giving a birdseye view across Islay’s villages and coastlines, with narration from local speakers, it is a story of Islay’s rich heritage and culture.

Cinematic panorama of Islay

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.

A classroom with displays on the wall

Family History

Enjoy delving 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.