About Ballymeanach Self Catering Holiday Cottages Islay

A Place with a Story

There’s a quiet corner of the Rhinns of Islay where the wind carries the scent of the sea and the calls of seabirds echo across open fields. This is Ballymeanach — a small, working croft that has watched over generations of families, livestock, and seasons rolling in from the Atlantic.

For years, the old buildings on the croft stood as silent reminders of the past: a smiddy once filled with the ring of a hammer on iron, a humble cottage warmed by peat fires, and a barn that sored the animal feed through long island winters. Time had taken its toll, but the stories held within those stone walls were far from finished.

So we set out to breathe new life into them –

With care, respect, and a little imagination, we transformed the steading into three self‑catering cottages. Two cosy one‑bedroom retreats and a spacious two‑bedroom barn conversion now stand where the old structures once rested. Each cottage carries its own whisper of history, now mingled with the comfort and warmth today’s travellers seek.

Guests come here for many reasons –

Some arrive longing for quiet mornings and wild coastal walks. Others want to experience life on an active croft — to watch sheep & cattle moving across the fields, to breathe in fresh island air, to feel part of something simple and real. And then there are the families and friends who gather here, seeking a place that wraps around them like a familiar blanket.

Portnahaven –

In recent years, Portnahaven Hall — just down the road — has become a beloved island wedding venue. We often welcome groups celebrating life’s big moments, providing a place where everyone can stay close together and share in the joy. And when evening falls, the village of Portnahaven is less than a mile away, with Tigh Seinnse offering warm food, good company, and the unmistakable charm of an Islay welcome.

Ballymeanach isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the island work its quiet magic. The cottages may be new, but the land, the stories, and the spirit of the croft remain very much alive.

Guest Information

Ballymeanach Holiday Cottages supply all bedlinen, towels (EXCEPT BEACH TOWELS) and tea towels. A travel cot and high chair can be provided but should be requested when booking.

We encourage our guests to use the dishwasher to clean kitchen utensils and equipment and provide a dishwasher tablet for each day of their stay.

We also supply washing-up-liquid, toilet rolls, 2 bin liners, cleaning equipment and anti-bacterial surface disinfectant and would ask that guests keep the cottages clean.

We supply hand/hair and body wash in shower rooms.

YOUR STAY AT BALLYMEANACH HOLIDAY COTTAGES

On arrival guests check-in will be contactless with each property having it’s own key deposit box and the PIN being emailed along with property information eg How to use the hot water taps/hob/waste disposal bins etc prior to arrival. My husband and I will be available if any help is required.

Please head over to the ISLAY section of our website where you will find details on distilleries/walks/travel and many other activities.

Please note it is definitely worth booking restaurants, taxis and Distillery tours in advance of your stay especially if you are visiting at peak times.

Before you leave

Please leave the properties clean and tidy.

Properties must be vacated by 10.00am promptly on day of departure.

Dustbins can be found in the low shed next to the parking spaces opposite The Barn decking area.

At the end of your stay we request that you remove bedding – including pillow and mattress protectors – and along with towels place these in the linen bags provided.

Please leave windows open to air the property before departure.

Please place the keys back in the safe key box at the end of your stay.

Travel Directions

BY CAR…

From Glasgow, drive to Kennacraig. This journey should take approximately 2 ½ hrs. Take the A82 Loch Lomondside, turning onto the A83 at Tarbet. Continue through Inverary and Lochgilphead towards Tarbert, passing Loch Fyne. The Port of Kennacraig is 5 miles south of Tarbert.

BY BUS…

City Link operates a bus service from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station and connects with the CalMac ferry at Kennacraig- (0141 333 3708 or visit Scottish City Link website to see timetables or make an online booking). It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance

BY FERRY…

The ferry sailing with Caledonian MacBrayne from the Scottish mainland to Port Ellen or Port Askaig on Islay takes approximately 2 hrs, leaving from Kennacraig on the Mull of Kintyre..

We strongly advise booking the ferry in advance. Further information including timetables, fares and booking can be found on the Caledonian MacBrayne website or call 0800 066 5000.

BY AIR…

Loganair operate a 35minute scheduled flight, daily from Glasgow to Islay. Further information including schedules, fares, and booking can be found on their website. Islay Airport +44 (0)1496 302022 online bookings.

DIRECTIONS TO BALLYMEANACH

When you arrive in Islay:

Follow the main road up and over the hill and continue until you reach Bridgend where you turn right on to the A847 to Portnahaven. Once you are in Portnahaven continue past the church and turn right (at the OK corner). Ballymeanach is about ¾ of a mile up this road on your right- hand side.

Follow the main road out of Port Ellen, heading towards the village of Bowmore, follow the road through Bowmore until you reach the village of Bridgend, cross the bridge and take a left onto the A847 to Portnahaven. Once you are in Portnahaven continue past the church and turn right (at the OK corner). Ballymeanach is about ¾ of a mile up this road on your right- hand side.

Turn left out of the airport carpark and follow the main road towards the village of Bowmore, follow the road through Bowmore until you reach the village of Bridgend, cross the bridge and take a left onto the A847 to Portnahaven. Once you are in Portnahaven continue past the church and turn right (at the OK corner). Ballymeanach is about ¾ of a mile up this road on your right- hand side.

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.