Location: Kirkwall
Top Things to do in Kirkwall
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Things to do in Kirkwall, Scotland: The Best Historic Sites
Kirkwall (Scottish Gaelic: Bàgh na h-Eaglaise) is the largest settlement and capital of Orkney, an archipelago in the north of Scotland, as well as the most populous island settlement in Scotland. The city is first mentioned in Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046 when it is recorded as the residence of Rögnvald Brusason the Earl of Orkney, who was killed by his uncle Thorfinn the Mighty. In 1486, King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to the status of a royal burgh; modern roadsigns still indicate "The City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall".
Restaurants in Kirkwall
1. Orkney Witchcraft Memorial
2. Saint Magnus Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,856 reviews
St Magnus Cathedral, built from red and yellow sandstone, is of international significance. This ‘fine minster’ took about 300 years to build, the foundations starting in 1137. It was dedicated to Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney. He shared the earldom with his cousin, Haakon Paulsson, but jealousy and greed culminated in Magnus being martyred on the island of Egilsay. Access is currently restricted so please be prepared to wait outside if it is busy and to limit your visit to 15 minutes max. We ask visitors to adhere to hygiene and physical distancing advice. It is mandatory to wear a face covering whilst in the building and we will ask for your contact details for the national Test and Protect system. There are no public toilet facilities available.
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, United States
Dedicated to St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney and patron saint of the Orkney Isles, the magnificent red sandstone cathedral was begun in 1137 and took roughly 300 years to complete. The church is dark and atmospheric with marvelous carvings including a stunning blind arcade with profuse carvings. Multiple tombs including St. Magnus' tomb are inside the cathedral. The church is Romanesque in style This important Medieval Cathedral is well worth a visit. Free admission; donations accepted. If you have the time, there is a charming churchyard with lots of ancient gravestones to see. Enjoy.
3. Rennibister Earth House
4. The Earl's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
Reviewed By robinbS755ND - Calgary, Canada
These were the most fun ruins to climb on after a morning at the Brough of Birsay. We found some excellent advice that I would like to pass along as well - if visiting Scotland for more than one week with the intention of historic sightseeing, I highly recommend purchasing an annual pass with Historic Scotland. The price is not too much more than the week pass, but you have a year to use it and it quickly pays for itself as long as you visit 3 or 4 popular sites. I would not have found the Earl's Palace without the Historic Scotland map, and our family was incredibly grateful for the find.
5. Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 293 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Step inside the spectacular ruins of two remarkable residences at the heart of Kirkwall. The medieval Bishop's Palace was built in the 1100s at about the same time as St Magnus Cathedral. King Hakon of Norway died within its walls after an indecisive battle with the Scots at Largs in 1263. In the early 1600s, the Bishop's Palace was incorporated into a refined Renaissance palace commissioned by Earl Patrick Stewart, one of Orkney's most notorious rulers. The Earl's palace was reputedly built using slave labour.
Reviewed By TMRDavies - Chepstow, United Kingdom
Opposite the Cathedral the mix of palace and castle styles of architecture are fascinating, the remains are quite extensive with great views from the top.
6. Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By piFFle234
This is a chambered cairn you can visit free of charge. Wideford Hill is a high point (2 tunes named after Wideford Hill, find them on abcnotation or thesession.org). An ancient cairn, with stunning views from the summit of the hill. Be sure to wrap up well as it can be windy.
