Portnahaven

Welcome to Ballymeanach Self-catering Holiday Cottages

Ballymeanach Self-catering Holiday Cottages rest quietly on an owner-occupied croft situated on the breath taking Rhinns of Islay; an area celebrated  internationally as a Ramsar wetland and domestically as a designated SSSI for its rare flora, fauna and sweeping coastal beauty. Surrounded by wide skies, Atlantic light, and traditionally farmed land with a growing herd of native Galloway cattle, this is a place where nature isn’t just scenery – it’s part of the experience.

Self-Catering Cottages Available Year-Round

Our three luxurious self catering cottages –  The Barn, The Smiddy & The Cottage – are available to book throughout the year. Each property blends modern comfort with rustic charm, providing a relaxing base for exploring Islay’s coastlines, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Ballymeanach is ideally located for discovering the best of Islay. Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, the wildlife, the whisky, or the island’s deep history, you’ll find everything within easy reach.

After a day of adventure, return to the calm of the croft. Enjoy a dram or a glass of wine in your private seating area and take in the sounds of the island – from soft birdsong to, at times, the haunting calls of seals.

Rainbow over Claddach

Guests choose Ballymeanach Self-catering Holiday Cottages for:

  • Peaceful natural surroundings

  • Proximity to beaches, walking routes, and cycling trails

  • Excellent birdwatching and wildlife spotting

  • Easy access to Islay’s world-famous whisky distilleries

  • A tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding

Experience the Nature & Beauty of Islay

Ballymeanach is ideally located for discovering the best of Islay. Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, the wildlife, the whisky, or the island’s deep history, you’ll find everything within easy reach.

After a day of adventure, return to the calm of the croft. Enjoy a dram or a glass of wine in your private seating area and take in the sounds of the island – from soft birdsong to, at times, the haunting calls of seals.

Book Your Stay

Escape to a place where nature leads, time slows, and relaxation comes naturally.

Book your stay at Ballymeanach Holiday Cottages and experience Islay at its most peaceful.

Accommodation

The Cottage

Sleeps 2-3

The Cottage is a cosy one-bedroom cottage sympathetically converted from farm steadings with a mezzanine bedroom and sitting area with views towards the rocky coastline.

The Smiddy

Sleeps 2-3

The Smiddy is a stylish one-bedroom cottage retaining the deep window ledges of old but with a modern open plan layout. Property is one level with deep windows in keeping with the original building.

The Barn

Sleeps 4-6

The Barn is a spacious two-bedroom cottage over two levels, open plan living/kitchen area & views down to the lighthouse & conservation village of Portnahaven.

Guest Reviews

Great experience, very kind and communicative. It’s off the beaten path, but worth the single track road from Port Charlotte. Wish we stayed longer and make sure to head to the Portnahaven Pub for lunch, dinner or a drink. Don’t forget groceries in Bowmore or the mainland (especially coffee), because their’s no market or grocery in town.

Brian, via Airbnb

Kate was a great host and the location for us was fantastic. maybe a little remote for some, but perfect for escaping from the city and connecting with nature. perfect for wandering the countryside. the house the perfect size (bigger than it seemed online). thank you for making our stay on Islay special!

Marco, via Airbnb
We had a wonderful stay. The place was immaculately clean, well resourced, and very well organised. It was comfortable in every way, set in lovely surroundings, and provided everything we needed. Our hosts were kind and pleasant—supportive without ever being intrusive. We would be very happy to return and highly recommend staying here.
Peter, via Airbnb

We very much enjoyed staying in The Smiddy. It was well equipped, very clean and comfortable to return to after a day out. Kate was a friendly host and runs a professional operation. Highly recommended for a stay on Islay and we would happily return.

Lucy, via Airbnb

We stayed in The Barn for a week and it was a great base for exploring Islay. Check-in was very easy and the house was clean, comfortable and had everything you would need. Portnahaven is a 15 min walk, where there’s a pub and lots of seals to spot, and there’s a lovely beach nearby too. Because of the location, it does involve a lot of driving if you’re exploring the island but the drive along the coast is very scenic. I’d definitely recommend!

Kirsten, via Airbnb

We wouldn’t hesitate to come back here when we next visit Islay – Kate was very helpful and responsive before and during our stay, and the accommodation itself was absolutely great. the accommodation is large and has all the facilities you need- perfect for anyone wanting a quiet getaway in this remote corner of Islay.

Sam, via Airbnb

A lovely property, with great scenery. We loved taking in the wildlife, and even though the weather was poor for our stay, we enjoyed our time on the island and in the property. A very peaceful location.

Richard, via Airbnb

This is a fantastic place to spend a holiday. Far enough away from it all, but a short drive to local amenities. The property itself was well equipped, pristine and very comfortable and cosy. Would highly recommend a stay here.

Jonathan, via Airbnb

The Island Of Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, just off the West Coast of Scotland. Known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, Islay is an amazing island experience – spectacular beaches, fabulous country walks, panoramic views and a multitude of species of wildlife, especially birds.