Bunnahabhain Day is one of the most anticipated moments of Fèis Ìle, bringing whisky lovers to the north east coast of Islay for a day of drams, music, food, distillery experiences and island hospitality.
Whether you are joining us for tastings, tours, boat trips, festival bottlings or simply to soak up the atmosphere, a little preparation will help you make the most of your visit. From planning your travel and checking your tickets to packing for Islay weather, here is everything you need to know before Bunnahabhain Day 2026.
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WHAT IS BUNNAHABHAIN DAY?
Bunnahabhain Day is our annual open day during Fèis Ìle, the Islay whisky festival. It is a celebration of Bunnahabhain whisky, our coastal home, our distillery community and the people who travel from near and far to join us.
Across the day, visitors can enjoy a range of experiences, from whisky tastings and tours to food, music and the chance to visit our distillery shop. It is a special opportunity to experience Bunnahabhain during one of the busiest and most exciting weeks in the Islay calendar.
When Is Bunnahabhain Day 2026?
Bunnahabhain Day 2026 takes place during Fèis Ìle 2026, on Friday the 29th of May, with visitors joining us at the distillery for a full day of festival activity.
We recommend checking your Bunnahabhain Day tickets, experience bookings and travel plans before you arrive, so you know exactly where you need to be and when. Some experiences may have specific timings, age restrictions or access requirements, so it is worth reviewing your booking details in advance.
What to Expect on the Day
Bunnahabhain Day is designed to be a full festival experience, with plenty to enjoy throughout the day. Expect a lively atmosphere, a busy distillery site, fellow whisky fans and a programme that brings together drams, food, music and memorable Islay views.
Tastings, Tours and Masterclasses
Bunnahabhain Day gives visitors the chance to take part in a range of whisky experiences, including tastings, tours, masterclasses and other bookable activities.
Please check the details of your chosen experience before travelling. No children under 8 are permitted on production tours. Children of all ages are permitted on boat trips, but under 18s are not permitted on any other tasting experiences.
Visitor Centre and Distillery Shop
The Visitor Centre and distillery shop are always a key part of Bunnahabhain Day. It is the perfect chance to explore our whiskies, speak to the team and take home special releases or festival bottlings.
If you are planning to make a purchase, we recommend bringing cash as a backup in case of any remote-island WiFi or internet issues on the day.
Food, Music and Festival Atmosphere
There will be food and drink available on site throughout the day, helping you settle in and enjoy the atmosphere between experiences.
Food vendors expected on the day include Scozzese Pizza, Orsay Seafood, The Grub Hub, Islay Oysters, and Islay Coffee Roasters for tea and coffee. Drinking water taps will also be available on site, so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
How to Prepare Before You Arrive
A little planning can make your Bunnahabhain Day experience much smoother. Islay is a beautiful place to visit, but festival week can be busy, so it is worth giving yourself enough time and checking the practical details before setting off.
Plan Your Travel to Bunnahabhain
Bunnahabhain sits in a remote and beautiful part of Islay, so travel planning is important. During Bunnahabhain Day, a park and ride service will be available from Persabus field between 10:00 and 18:00.
We recommend allowing extra time for travel, arrival and walking from drop off points to the distillery. The site will be busy, and some experiences may involve moving between different areas.
Check Timings Before the Day
Before you arrive, check the timing of your experiences, ticket details, travel arrangements and any important visitor information. This is especially important if you are booked onto multiple experiences throughout the day as each event is hosted in a different area of the distillery site.
Dress for Islay Weather
Islay weather can change quickly, even during festival season. We recommend wearing layers and bringing a waterproof jacket, as parts of the day may be spent outdoors.
You should also bring suncream and midge spray, especially if you plan to spend a full day on site.
Getting to Bunnahabhain During Fèis Ìle
Fèis Ìle is one of the busiest times of the year on Islay, so travelling to the distillery may take longer than usual. Planning ahead will help you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the day.
Travel Options on Islay
To avoid congestion, the single track road to the distillery will be closed to the public on Bunnahabhain Day. However, a park and ride service will run from Persabus field from 10:00 until 18:00, helping visitors reach the distillery.
Dogs are not permitted in shuttle taxis, but they are allowed on Mundell’s bus. Please keep this in mind when planning your journey if you are travelling with a dog.
Parking and Arrival Tips
Visitors should follow the event travel guidance on the day and use the available transport options where possible. There will be a people carrier making trips up and down the hill at the site entrance for anyone with accessibility needs. If you have any questions regarding mobility or accessibility, please contact info@bunnahabhain.com, and we will do our best to accommodate or advise accordingly.
Suitable footwear is strongly recommended, as there is a short walk from the top of the hill to the distillery gates. Some experiences, including boats, tours, warehouse walks and tastings, may also involve walking or standing for periods of time.
What to Bring With You
To make your day as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing:
- Your ticket or booking confirmation
- Suitable footwear
- A waterproof jacket or layers
- Suncream
- Midge spray
- A reusable water bottle
- Cash as a backup payment option
- Any personal essentials you may need throughout the day
Drinking water taps will be available on site, and food vendors will be present throughout the day.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Bunnahabhain Day is about more than one tasting or one dram. It is a chance to enjoy the distillery, the coast, the people and the atmosphere of Fèis Ìle.
Give Yourself Enough Time
Try not to plan your day too tightly. Give yourself time to arrive, find your way around, enjoy food and drink, visit the shop and take in the setting.
If you are booked onto multiple experiences, leave enough time between them so you can move around the site comfortably.
Explore the Distillery and Coastal Setting
Bunnahabhain’s location is part of what makes the day so special. Take time to enjoy the views across the Sound of Islay, explore the festival areas and experience the character of our distillery home.
Try Exclusive Festival Releases
Bunnahabhain Day is often a key moment for whisky fans looking to explore special releases and festival bottlings. If there is something you are hoping to buy or try, we recommend visiting the shop early and speaking to the team on the day.
Bunnahabhain Day FAQs
Do I need tickets for Bunnahabhain Day?
You don’t need tickets to visit the distillery on Bunnahabhain Day, however, all experiences throughout the day are ticketed. While spaces may become available on the day, it is advised to pre-book any experiences.
What time does Bunnahabhain Day start?
The distillery site will open to visitors at 10:00 and close at 18:00. Please check your tickets in advance of arrival so you can arrive at your booked experiences on time.
Can I buy Bunnahabhain festival bottlings on the day?
Festival bottlings and special releases are often an important part of Bunnahabhain Day. Availability will be limited, so we recommend checking on the day and visiting the distillery shop early if there is a specific release you are interested in. Any remaining stock of festival releases after Bunnahabhain Day will be made available online.
Is there food available at Bunnahabhain Day?
Yes. Food vendors expected on site include Scozzese Pizza, Orsay Seafood, The Grub Hub, Islay Oysters, and Islay Coffee Roasters for tea and coffee. Drinking water taps will also be available.
How do I get to Bunnahabhain during Fèis Ìle?
A park and ride service will be available from Persabus field between 10:00 and 18:00. Visitors should plan ahead, allow extra time and follow the event travel guidance on the day.
What should I wear to Bunnahabhain Day?
Wear comfortable, suitable footwear and dress for changing Islay weather. There is a short walk from the top of the hill to the distillery gates, and some experiences may involve walking, standing or being outdoors. We also recommend bringing suncream and midge spray.
