Port Ellen

(Port Ilein)
Argyll and Bute

A small town and port on the southern coast of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Port Ellen (Gael: Port Ilein) is the second largest settlement of the island and lies on Loch Leodamais, the island's main harbour. Port Ellen was established in 1821 by the Laird of Islay, Walter Frederick Campbell (1798 - 1855), who named the settlement after his wife. Like most of the island, Port Ellen is characterised by white washed buildings and cottages. Nearby lie the ruined remains of the 14th-century Dunyveg Castle, once a fortress of the MacDonald Lords of the Isles. This castle was besieged and captured many times before being demolished by the Campbell lairds of Islay in 1677 when they moved to Islay House. Nearby are located the distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. To the west lies the peninsula known as the Oa, once well-populated but now mostly uninhabited. Islay Airport lies 4 miles (7 km) to the northwest.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better