Kirkwall

The city and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall is the capital and administrative centre of Orkney. It is a Viking town that was founded around 1035 by Earl Rognvald Brusason. The name Kirkwall comes from the Old Norse, 'Kirkjuvagar' meaning 'church-bay' and refers to a much older church than the present day Cathedral. The original town is one of the best preserved examples of an ancient Norse town.

Kirkwall has a population of approx 7600 people and is the busy heart of Orkney with many things for visitors to see and do. Spend an afternoon exploring the main street and visit the quirky craft shops and cosy cafes. Kirkwall is also a great base for entertainment, listen to local music and enjoy some Orkney ale in the local pubs or nightclub.

1. Visitor Information Centre, Bus Station and Travel Centre - located at the top of West Castle Street. If you need help to book accommodation or advice on places to visit e.g. drop past to the visitor information centre or call 01856872856.
   

2.  St. Magnus Cathedral - Founded in 1137 by Norse Earl Rognvald Kolson in memory of his uncle Saint Magnus. The Cathedral contains their remains, marvellous medieval grave markers and noted stained glass. Tours of the upper floor are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am and 2pm and are bookable with the custodian (t.01856 874894). Open April to September inclusive Mon-Sat 9am – 6pm, Sundays 1pm – 6pm. October to March inclusive Mon-Sat 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm. Admission is free. Please note that St Magnus Cathedral is a place of worship and visitor access is not always possible. Sunday service: 11.15am
   

3. The Orkney Museum - Tankerness House Museum and gardens is one of Scotland’s finest town houses, it contains a vivid introduction to Orkney's rich archaeology. Open May - September Monday - Saturday 10.30am - 5pm. October to April – Monday to Saturday 10.30am – 12.30 and 1.30pm – 5pm. Free admission to museum and gardens. t: (01856) 873191.

4. St Magnus Centre - 15 minutes, multilingual film on St Magnus and St Magnus Cathedral. Coffee lounge and library. Admission free.

5. The Bishop’s Palace - Mid-12th century Palace for Bishop William the Old. Rebuilt in the late 15th century and restored by Bishop Robert Reid in the mid 16th century. Open April – September 9.30am – 5.30pm. Open October – 9.30am-4.30pm Saturday -Wednesday only. t: (01856) 871918.

6. The Earl’s Palace - Built by Scottish Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600. Fine example of French Renaissance architecture. Open April – September 9.30am – 5.30pm. Open October – 9.30am-4.30pm Saturday -Wednesday only.  Site includes audiovisual display. Joint ticket with Bishop's Palace.

7. Bowling Green & Children’s Play Park - in Brandquoy Park.

8. Orkney Islands Council - One-Stop-Shop for all things relating to the local authority. t: (01856) 873535.

9. Orkney Arts Theatre - Amateur drama, opera and visiting performers. See posters or enquire locally at the tourist offices.

10. Orkney Library and Archive - Founded in 1683, the oldest public library in Scotland, now housed in a purpose built new facility. School resource centre, Orkney room and archivist facilities. Home to the Orkney Family History Society. Open Monday - Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm. t: (01856) 873166  http://www.orkneylibrary.org.uk/

11. Post Office

12. Police Station - telephone (01856) 872241.

13. NorthLink Ferries - ticket booking office for Kirkwall & Stromness ferries to Lerwick, Aberdeen & Scrabster.

14. Orkney Wireless Museum - A fascinating collection tracing the history of early domestic radio and wartime communications in Orkney. Rare exhibits, wartime memorabilia and photographs. Open April – September, Mon – Sat 10am – 4.30pm, Sun 2.30pm – 4.30pm. £3 entrance fee.       t: (01856) 871400.

15. Orkney Ferries Ticket Office - booking ferries to the North Isles  t: (01856) 872044.  www.orkneyferries.co.uk

16. Orkney Ferries - Shapinsay Terminal & waiting room.

17. Orkney Ferries - All other North Isles Terminal

18. Kirkwall Marina - A 95 berth marina within the harbour

19. Orkney College - Education, training and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone. t: (01856) 569000.  www.orkney.uhi.ac.uk

20. Swimming Pool and Sports Centre - Housed in the Kirkwall Grammar School. t: (01856) 872364

21. Highland Park Distillery - 200 year old distillery with working floor maltings and peat kilns. Open April - September, Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm. Also May - August, Saturday 10am - 5pm & Sunday 12-5pm. October - March, Monday - Friday 1pm - 5pm. Hourly tours available in the summer, and tours at 2 & 3pm in the winter.  The site is a 5 star visitor attraction with audio visual & shop.

22. Balfour Hospital & Health Centre - t: (01856) 888000.

23. Skateboard Park

24. Pickaquoy Centre / Caravan & Camping Site - Orkney's premier leisure facility has something for the whole family; fitness suite, health suite, fitness classes, conditioning gym, caravan & camping site, cinema, children's adventure play area, cafe bar, sport arena, athletics track and all weather pitch. t: (01856) 879900.

25. Kirkwall Golf Course - 18 hole Golf Course. t: (01856) 872457. www.orkneygolfclub.co.uk

26. Hatston NorthLink Ferry Terminal - departures for Aberdeen and Shetland. Terminal open from 9pm.

Maps

Download a map of Kirkwall - 316K