Fèis Ìle, the renowned annual festival celebrating the rich heritage of whisky and culture on the Isle of Islay, has unveiled its tantalizing schedule for 2024. From May 24th to June 1st, the island will come alive with a vibrant array of events, distillery open days, tastings, music, and more, promising an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The festivities kick off on Friday, May 24th, with the grand opening event at The Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen Playing Fields. The evening promises a spectacular parade through Port Ellen, accompanied by circus entertainment, live music, and tantalizing food offerings, setting the stage for an immersive week ahead.
Learn more on the Fèis Ìle website.
Each day of the festival is packed with diverse activities, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include:
Saturday, May 25th:
- Lagavulin Distillery: Offering free general entry, Lagavulin opens its doors for a day of exploration and discovery.
- Islay Rum Distillery: Head to Islay Rum Distillery in Port Ellen for an immersive experience in rum appreciation.
- Islay Whisky Vault: Delve into the world of Islay whisky at the Islay Whisky Vault's Open Day, featuring tastings, exclusive releases, live music, and more.
Sunday, May 26th:
- Bruichladdich Distillery: Details to be confirmed, but we do know Rock'ndaal is back! Bruichladdich Distillery once again hosts Fèis Ìle's biggest party on Sunday 26th May. Last year was epic, this year is going to be even BIGGER. Click the button below to register your email address to stay informed of ticket releases – including the ballot for Adam’s Masterclass - and other Rock’ndaal news!
Monday, May 27th:
- Caol Ila Distillery: Enjoy free entry and explore the offerings at Caol Ila Distillery.
- Islay Ales: Celebrate Islay Ales' 20th year at their brewery open day, featuring tours, tastings, quizzes, and more.
Tuesday, May 28th:
- Laphroaig Distillery: Discover the iconic Laphroaig Distillery with free general entry.
- Port Ellen Distillery: Details to be confirmed.
- Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle: Join independent bottlers at The Ramsay Hall for exclusive tastings and releases.
Wednesday, May 29th:
- Ardnahoe Distillery: Enjoy free entry and a complimentary dram at Ardnahoe Distillery's open day.
- Bowmore Distillery: Details to be confirmed.
Thursday, May 30th:
- Kilchoman Distillery: Join Kilchoman at their open day for free entry and special events. Kilchoman has been busy selecting a range of special drams and cask samples for the masterclass events as well as planning various tours, activities, live music and entertainment which will take place throughout the day. And of course, there will be the Fèis Ìle 2024 release which will be available from the distillery shop only. If you sadly can’t be there in person then they also have two online tastings for you on the day!
- Islay Whisky Academy: Details to be confirmed.
Friday, May 31st:
- Bunnahabhain Distillery: Experience Bunnahabhain Distillery with free general entry and tastings.
- Jura Distillery: Details to be confirmed.
Saturday, June 1st:
- Ardbeg: Details to be confirmed.
Throughout the festival, attendees can also enjoy additional events such as ceilidhs, traditional folk nights, whisky nosing sessions, and more, showcasing the vibrant culture and spirit of Islay.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup, Fèis Ìle 2024 promises to be a celebration like no other, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of whisky, music, and island hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or simply looking to experience the magic of Islay, this festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in all that the island has to offer. So mark your calendars and get ready to raise a glass to Fèis Ìle 2024!
About Fèis Ìle
Fèis Ìle, often referred to simply as the Islay Festival, is an annual celebration of whisky and Gaelic culture held on the Scottish island of Islay. Founded in 1985, Fèis Ìle has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the whisky calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world each year. The festival typically takes place over a week in late May or early June, with each of the island's distilleries hosting open days and special events to showcase their whiskies and hospitality.
During Fèis Ìle, Islay's distilleries open their doors to whisky enthusiasts, offering behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, masterclasses, and special bottlings exclusive to the festival. Visitors have the opportunity to meet distillery staff, learn about the whisky-making process, and explore the unique characteristics of Islay's peated whiskies, which are renowned for their bold flavors and maritime influence.
In addition to whisky-related activities, Fèis Ìle features a diverse program of cultural events, including traditional music, dance, food, and art, highlighting the rich heritage of the island and its Gaelic-speaking community. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoying performances by musicians and dancers, sampling traditional Scottish fare, and participating in workshops and demonstrations.
Fèis Ìle is not only a celebration of whisky but also a celebration of community, camaraderie, and shared passion for Scotland's national drink. The festival brings together whisky lovers from all walks of life, fostering friendships and connections that extend far beyond the confines of Islay. For many attendees, Fèis Ìle is a pilgrimage—a chance to experience the magic of Islay and its whiskies firsthand and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Overall, Fèis Ìle holds a special place in the hearts of whisky enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to explore Islay's distilleries, immerse oneself in Gaelic culture, and celebrate the spirit of whisky in one of Scotland's most picturesque and iconic locations.
