Martyrs Bay Restaurant And Bar

We stayed on Iona and this bar is where the locals go in the evening Better value than the hotel bars Friendly Open until 2100 and later some nights

Ok, so the food was ok at lunchtime, though nothing spectacular. The woman who served us in the restaurant was lovely and very polite and helpful I would give her five stars. Later in the day, we went back for a couple of drinks. The restaurant was shut but the bar was open, so I nipped in to grab a couple of cans to take down to the beach with our picnic. The server was friendly enough but he was talking to a man at the bar who was smoking a roll up cigarette. Now, sorry, but it's 2024, not 1974. Smoking isn't allowed in bars, so why on earth didn't the barman tell him to put it out or go outside? Thankfully I wasn't planning on sitting in but, come on Martyr's Bay, that's a pretty poor image to present.

When it comes to a bar with a view there is nowhere and I mean NOWHERE to compare. When the weather is kind (as it was last week) you can sit outside at the water's edge and when it's not so kind, the bar has panoramic windows that allow you to gaze across the Sound of Iona. Sightings of dolphins and seals are commonplace. A steady flow of visitors wishing to enjoy a drink before catching the ferry back to Ffionnphort mixes with a few local folk to create a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. The choice of beer on tap is good and the selection of whisky is impressive. We've been many times before but this visit is tinged with real sadness as, by the time this review was submitted, the bar has closed possibly for good. We really hope the family and islanders will find a solution and that this iconic little bar will be able to be enjoyed by visitors to Iona for many years to come.

Had the fresh mussels that never made it to the mainland. Harvested same day and were fresh and tender as could be. Ate outside with a view of the islands and ocean. Don't go right away when a ferry or a boat docks as the line can be long and tough to find sitting. If you wait 30 minutes and explore the Island, It will work well for you

This restaurant is right at the end of the ferry slipway so was very busy on both occasions we visited. There are gluten free snacks and cakes but these are pre packed and not home made. The views from the windows are beautiful. The restaurant is clean and pleasant and staff friendly and welcoming.