Fairy Hill cottage was a perfect find for us: we stayed for a week in early May, and the house and location were outstanding. The house was warm, comfortable and well equipped, with everything needed for a relaxing holiday. Roe deer kids in the garden at dusk, joined by adult deer in the middle of the night outside the kitchen window in the moonlight! Bats in the evening, House Martins by day. Walks are well publicised - Mull of Oa, Distilleries walk from Port Ellen, and the RSPB reserve by Loch Gruniard. But don't miss the walk down to Ardilistry Bay , 200 yd down the road towards Ardbeg, through the gate in the wall, and follow the track through the woodland to the beach, carpeted with bluebells when we were there - Guaranteed to have it to yourselves. Visit Kildalton Cross, but then follow the track down to the sea loch, where we sat and watched a big dog otter catching and eating his crab and fish dinner. We sat quietly for about 20 minutes watching him. Islay and particularly Fairy Hill Cottage are magic places, and hopefully we will re-visit
Neil & Val
— Neil Burns, 28 May 2026