Explore Lismore - Oban

Gregory P.

My wife and I spent a fabulous day with Explore Lismore. Iris collected us in her Land Rover for our private tour after we arrived at Port Ramsay via the Port Appin passenger ferry. While exploring the northern end of the island, Iris told us about the history of Lismore, its geology and the local community. A tea and coffee break with some of Iris's amazing homemade treats (Caramel Brownies) near the old lime kiln was at an absolutely gorgeous location. Afterwards we visited the Isle of Lismore Museum and then enjoyed lunch at the Isle of Lismore Cafe where Iris had already reserved us a table. The rest of the afternoon was spent with local shepherd Arthur watching his dogs Tam, Misty and Fly demonstrate their amazing sheepherding skills. Really just a wonderful day and we hope to return to Lismore in the future for a longer stay.

J W.

My family and I spent a wonderful day with Explore Lismore. Even though the weather was a bit wet and foggy, we learned about and saw so much of the island. Iris was an informative guide, made delicious treats, and took great care of us. Meeting Arthur, his dogs, and the sheep was something will we never forget!

Rachael L.

Fantastic family tour of Lismore with our exceptional guide Robert, who was friendly, knowledgeable and really easy going. We had a few specific health requirements to be able to enjoy our 2 hour tour and nothing was too much trouble. Chatting to Iris before the tour was really helpful and her home baked carrot cakes were so delicious!

If you'd like a taste of island life away from tourist traps, this is a must-do.

Sarah D.

Can't recommend highly enough, we had an amazing tour of the island with Robert. He was so knowledgeable about the history, geology and life on Lismore Island. The picnic add on was just delicious. We had an amazing experience, we saw all the historic buildings, lots of fantastic wildlife and had fun on the bumpy shore road. So much fun and so informative.

Simon M.

Hugely enjoyable tour of Lismore. Robert is a great guide and a lovely friendly person. can’t recommend it enough. lovely coffee stop with home made cakes.

karen R.

We had an amazing tour of Lismore with Robert today. He is so knowledgeable about the history of the island not to mention all the residents! He booked a table for us at the cafe, had tea and sweets ready and just made us feel so welcome. We also had a wonderful demonstration with Arthur who showed us how he works his three dogs to herd his sheep and told us all about the sheep breeds and how to work the dogs. What an amazing day. If you are in the area, make sure to book the tour with Robert and add on Arthur as well!

Manfred P.

My girlfriend and I visited Lismore on a rainy and rather cold day. To make matters worse, there was no electricity on the island that day. But Iris gave us a power-ful tour of the island in her comfortable and cozy Land Rover. She showed us the highlights of the island, and at the old quarry we met a gentleman who had returned to the island after 20 years. This added some remarkable stories to the ones Iris told us. Our next stop was a beautiful garden of one of Iris’ friends. Due to the power cut, a visit to the local restaurant was not possible. But guess what? Iris served us a delicious three-course picnic in her car. We recommend this tour to any traveller who wants to explore Lismore through the eyes of a local.

Laura B.

The highlight of our entire vacation!

We stayed at The Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin so it was a quick & easy ferry crossing over to the Isle of Lismore. Robert picked us up & took us on a tour & we quickly fell in love with the island. We had a wonderful tea & cake stop (delicious) from the back of his Land Rover before being dropped at the Isle of Lismore Cafe & Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre for lunch & time to explore. The sandwiches & cakes at the cafe were so good. After that, we met up with Arthur for a shepherding tour. What an experience! He was so knowledgeable & friendly & his 3 dogs were delightful. After the shepherding tour, Robert picked us up & drove us back to the ferry. Robert is a phenomenal tour guide.

We would highly recommend this experience! It'll be tough to ever surpass the wonders of this day. We didn't want to leave!