Isle of Barra is just four miles wide and eight miles long but manages to capture almost every facet of the Western Isles. This Outer Hebridean island is steeped in history with its Iron Age broch at Dun Chuidhir, Kisimul Castle (open to visitors and definitely worth a visit), a Neolithical cairn at Dun Bharpa and the more recent herring port of Casltebay (Bagh a Chaisteil). Barra's reigious history is evident with the large church, "Our Lady, Star of the Sea" and a Madonna and Child on the Heaval (the largest peak on Barra and well worth a hike for the spectacular views).
Barra is a land of empty white beaches, white crofts and emerald green seas. The only town of significant size is Castlebay, situated in a large bay on the south side of the Island. (Learn more about Barra at the Cultural and Heritage centre.)
Ferry services go from here to Lochboisdale, South Uist and Oban. A walk westward from Castlebay is well rewarded with some of the islands finest sandy beaches, the finest being found at Halaman Bay and the village of Allasdale (Allathasdal). Near Craigston (Baile na Creige) you will find the "Thatched Cottage Museum", an isolated black house which remains as it was when last inhabited some 30 years ago.
Barras "airport" is worth a visit. Here you will see planes landing on the crunchy shell/sand beach of Cockle Strand (Traigh Mhor). North from the airport lies the coastal village of Eoligarry (Eolaigearraidh). From here a passenger ferry links to Ludag on South Uist. Barra has a few hotels, B&Bs and a Youth Hostel. A post office bus can take you around the island but to really "soak up" Barra you can hire bikes if feeling energetic or go by foot.
Caledonian MacBrayne Hebridean & Clyde Ferries: Barra – Details of all the islands Caledonian MacBrayne serve Oban – Castlebay & South Uist – Castlebay