Welcome toLismore
The great garden of the Inner Hebrides, with rare birds, wild flowers and Pictish brochs.
More about Lismore
Ideal for:
History & heritage
Outdoor adventure
Walking
Wildlife Watching
A garden island
Lismore is Gaelic for 'Great Garden' - and the island's lush landscape is filled with over 300 species of wild flower and 130 species of bird, though you won't be able to see them all from the ferry.
The island is criss-crossed with footpaths, making it ideal for walkers. You'll find Bronze Age cairns, Iron Age duns and Pictish brochs, and you can find out more at the excellent heritage centre Ionad Naomh Muluag.
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland's #RespectProtectEnjoy guidance and check the arrangements individual islands and locations have for managing the safety of their visitors and communities. For Argyll and Bute, please read through the area's 'Be a great Visitor' guidance.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater
For more information on Lismore visit the Isle of Lismore website.
How to get here
You can get to Lismore on the ferry from Oban, which takes 60 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board.
Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Journey Planner can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.
We have also listed some travel information below that you may find useful:
Getting to Oban
Most routes to Oban pass through, or past, Glasgow:
By car
It takes 2 hours 30 minutes to drive to Oban from Glasgow, 3 hours from Edinburgh, 4 hours from Aberdeen, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Inverness. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, charging points are available at the Argyll College.
Postcode for sat nav
Oban Port: PA34 4DB
Travelling without a car
By train
If you're coming from the east coast, Edinburgh, or the South, you'll need to travel through Glasgow. There's a regular direct train to Oban from Glasgow Queen Street Station, and it takes just over 3 hours.
Check the train times on our Journey Planner
By bus
The bus route to Oban from Glasgow takes just under 3 hours, traffic permitting. The bus from Inverness to Oban takes 3 hours 30 minutes, with a change at Fort William.
Check out our Journey Planner for more details.
By foot
The Isle of Lismore is only 10 miles long and 1.5 miles at its widest section. Lismore has a rocky landscape but the terrain is suitable for all walking levels. The scenic views over on to Mull, and the mountainous Argyll are absolutely breath-taking. There is a network of routes that take between 1 -5 hours and mingle in with old footpaths throughout the island. If you would like more information on walking in Lismore, check out the Visit Lismore website.
By bike
Cycling is the best way to explore this quiet rural island. Lismore, meaning 'Great Garden,' is considered to be one of the most fertile islands in Scotland. Cycling on this little gem of an island presents a good opportunity to do a little bird watching with 130 species, including Bullfinch, Grey Heron, and Kestrel. Bikes are available to hire on the island or from a number of shops in Oban, check out VisitScotland for further details.
If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.
Plan your journey at CycleStreets