Things to Do in Kirkwall Scotland
- Laura
- Jul 22
- 6 min read
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With a hard-working harbor and bustling downtown, the town of Kirkwall, Scotland is the Orkney Islands main commercial center. Located in the North Sea between Scotland and Norway, Kirkwall has a maritime culture influenced by early Viking and Scottish settlers. Our article describes ten things to do in Kirkwall Scotland including visiting the town’s cathedral, medieval monuments, and museums.
Kirkwall is a royal Scottish burgh (town) in Orkney Islands. It is the largest of the archipelago’s towns, and a transportation hub to the outside world. Kirkwall is a popular cruise ship port. Many of the area's excursions, like trips to Skara Brae and The Ring of Brodgar, begin and end in Kirkwall.
Popular things to do in Kirkwall include exploring St. Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces. Another fun activity is touring the whiskey and gin distilleries in the area. Finally, visitors will enjoy discovering the shops, pubs, and restaurants of Kirkwall’s waterfront and walkable downtown.
For more information on area weather, the best time to visit, and a free walking tour read our Kirkwall Guide. Whether you arrive by ferry, plane, or cruise ship you are sure to enjoy getting to know the colorful working port of Kirkwall Scotland.
TRY THESE TOURS & EXCURSIONS
WHERE IS KIRKWALL SCOTLAND
Kirkwall lies about 210 miles north of Edinburgh Scotland. It is located in Orkney on Mainland Island. Kirkwall has a small airport, several large piers, and a regional bus service.
KIRKWALL SCOTLAND HISTORY
The name Kirkwall comes from the Norse word “Kirkjuvagr,” meaning “Church on the bay.” Viking Norsemen settled the area in 1050 and ruled for several centuries. In later eras, Kirkwall was governed by Scottish kings and the British monarchy. From the Ice Age to modern times, Kirkwall’s 5,000 years of history are recorded in its architecture and ruins.
Kirkwall became a royal Scottish burgh in 1486. Over the centuries, the town has prospered as a center for the fishing, boat building, and weaving trades. Today, the oil and whiskey industries are also important parts of Kirkwall’s economy. Tourism is likewise growing as cruise ship passengers enjoy excursions to Neolithic archeological ruins, wildlife viewing, and dive sites.
ORKNEY ISLANDS HOTELS
For overnight visits to Kirkwall, consider these well-reviewed Orkney Islands hotels:
The Ayre Hotel - Kirkwell Scotland
The Kirkwall Hotel - Kirkwell Scotland
Linidsfarne Bed & Breakfast - Stromness Scotland
Graemeshall House - Holm Scotland
ORKNEY ISLANDS TOURS
Kirkwall Scotland’s downtown is compact and walkable. Many of the streets in the area are pedestrianized. Outside of town the environment is rural. Public transportation and rental car options are few.
To see the sights outside of town we recommend taking an organized tour that includes transportation and a guide. Here we list a few well-reviewed Orkney Island tours to compliment your day in Kirkwall:
THINGS TO DO IN KIRKWALL SCOTLAND
St. Magnus Cathedral
St. Magnum Cathedral, Britain’s most northerly cathedral, dominates Kirkwall’s skyline. Originally commissioned as a church by the Vikings, the red sandstone structure was founded in 1137 at a time when Kirkwall belonged to the Kingdom of Norway. Known as the Light of the North, the cathedral is dedicated to Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney.
The structure is one of the best preserved medieval churches in Scotland. Its Romanesque interior is adorned with yellow and red sandstone pillars, stained glass windows, and mausoleums. Visitors can tour the upper levels of St. Magnus Cathedral to see the church’s clock mechanism, bells, collection of artifacts, and more.
Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces
Across the street from St. Magnus Cathedral is a fascinating pair of ancient ruins. The Bishops Palace was constructed in the 1100s. It was built to be used as the domestic residence of the Bishop of St. Magnus. Centuries later, in the 1600s, the notorious Earl Patrick Stuart erected the Earl’s Palace. The much more ornate structure incorporated the Bishop’s Palace into its design for a regal palace complex.
Today, the sites are maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. After paying an admission fee, visitors are free to wander the outdoor site.
EDINBURGH & SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS TOURS
Orkney Museum
The Orkney Museum is located across from St. Magnus Cathedral and just down the street from the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces. With narrow staircases and twisting rooms, the building itself is fun to tour. The structure consists of two medieval manor houses which were joined in 1570. Exhibits feature artifacts from the Iron Ages, Picts, and Viking eras. Experience 5,000 years of history under one roof.
Visit the Highland Park Whiskey Distillery
On the outskirts of Kirkwall, find the Highland Park Whiskey Distillery. Highland Park whiskey has long held the reputation as one of the finest Scotch whiskeys in the world. At the distillery and factory store visitors can participate in tours and whiskey tastings.
Explore the Waterfront
Take some time to meander along Shore Street, Harbor Street, and Cromwell Road to explore Kirkwall’s working waterfront. Walk Kirkwall Pier to find the Fisheries Office, ferry docks, and Harbor Master’s Office. Get up close to the tug boats and trawlers lining the harbor. Along Harbour Street, walk past the large Victorian hotels and seaside businesses before crossing the street to trek along the jetties.
Visit Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar
While in Kirkwall, a visit to the nearby ruins of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are must-do activities. The Skara Brae Prehistoric Village was a Neolithic settlement of underground houses. The community of around 50 people was thought to have been occupied between 3100BC and 2500BC. The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle monument where important rituals were thought to have been held.
Both ruins are UNESCO World Heritage sites. For more detailed information on visiting Skara Brae read our article titled: Things to do in Scotland: Skara Brae.
Shop Like a Local
Hit the main shopping district in Kirkwall to find an array of retailers, restaurants, and pubs. Meander Bridge, Albert, Broad, and Victoria Streets. In this area you will find a fine selection of jewelry, craft producers, knitwear, tweed shops, book shops, and more. This is also where most of the cafes, bars, and specialty food stores are located. On Albert Street, don’t miss Big Tree – a 300 year old tree growing in the middle of the road.
Tour the Orkney Distillery & Visitor Center
Located on Kirkwall Harbor, the Orkney Distillery & Visitor Center is a fun local attraction the showcases the distinctive Kikjuvagr brand of whiskey and gin. The modern glass building allows visitors to shop for whiskey and gin while overlooking the picturesque seaport. Guided tours and tastings are offered onsite.
Orkney Wireless Museum
Visit the Orkney Wireless Museum if you have an interest in domestic and military wireless equipment. The museum’s founder, James MacDonald, was a collector of radio, radar, and other types of electronic communications equipment. This small, unique volunteer run museum is open April to September.
Take a Walking Tour of Kirkwall
With its narrow medieval lanes, Kirkwall was made for walkers. Fanning out from the waterfront, a series of passageways connect the waterfront to St. Magnus Cathedral. Many of these lanes (no wider than alleys) are pedestrianized – making for a relaxing walking experience.
In this area there are fine seafood restaurants, brew houses, knitwear stores, artisan galleries, and many locally owned shops. The area has charming working-class vibe; full of as many locals as cruise ship day trippers.
Have fun in Kirkwall. Lang may yer lum reek (long may your chimney smoke), Laura And Randy
For more information on things to do in Scotland UK, read our travel blog posts on:
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