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Welcome to the Isle of Colonsay

The Isle of Colonsay is up to 3.5 km wide and about 16 km long, including the neighbouring island of Oronsay. It has excellent weather with low rainfall and long hours of sunshine; because it is surrounded by the sea there is a gentle breeze in summer which inhibits midges and other irritating insects. There are no snakes, but there are otters and the island is an important habitat for Grey Atlantic seals; you may even see dolphins, porpoises, Minke Whales or Basking Sharks. Colonsay has the largest colony of breeding seabirds in the Southern Hebrides, and its native flora is particularly diverse - many people come just to enjoy the carpets of flowers on the machair (lime-rich grassland bordering the sea).

Visitors are free to walk wherever they like, and to explore the countless coves and pristine sandy beaches along the 90 km. of coastline. There is a large expanse of truly ancient Caledonian forest, which mostly consists of oak, birch and hazel but which also hosts an abundancy of moss, fungi and lichens. There are freshwater lochs teeming with native brown trout, there is a primitive but challenging 200 year-old golf links, 4000 metres long and with 18 holes. There are interesting caves, and there are 22 hills more than 91.46 m. (300 feet) high, known as "The MacPhees" - it is a challenge to climb them all in one day, the distance is about 32 km; we can even supply a list and simple directions.

Colonsay is rich in other attractions - the famous gardens of the 18th century mansion house are open to the public and include many exotic and subtropical species. The island of Oransay can be reached when the tide is low; it is a wildlife sanctuary under the care of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and it also contains the magnificent 14th century ruins of a priory established by an order of Canons Regular of St. Augustine. Colonsay itself has many important archaeological sites, including six spectacular Duns or ancient forts, a number of mediaeval chapels,also standing stones, crannogs, burial cairns, viking graves, holy wells, hut circles, mesolithic shell mounds and cave dwellings.

There are two restaurants, and also a tea-room and a bar; there is an excellent local shop, a post office, a bookshop and local produce including oysters and wild honey. There is even a brewery on the island, a number of craftworkers and there is an excellent Medical Centre with full-time resident doctor. Colonsay has everything you need for a comfortable, peaceful and utterly refreshing vacation.

Although many of the inhabitants speak Gaelic, the everyday language is English. We welcome visitors from all over the world and there are numerous special events, such as our Festival of Spring, the Music Festival, and a Literary Festival - details usually appear at http://www.colonsayevents.co.uk/

Where to stay? K & C Byrne Holidays, Isle of Colonsay

We offer you a choice of two outstanding properties. Our business was established in 1970 and we have been based in Colonsay since 1978 - we are proud of our reputation and are confident that our knowledge and experience can help to guarantee the success of your holiday in Colonsay.

Look at the details of each property, download our Rental and Ferry Details 2026, then see the Availability Chart 2026. All prices include all taxes as well as all linen and towels. Electricity is supplied at cost price and we make no additional charge for well-behaved dogs.

E-mail colonsaybyrne@gmail.com or call Kevin and Christa Byrne on 07831 474447