Kirkwall

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago some 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland. Kirkwall has two faces, depending on where you have just come from. If arriving from a large city such as Edinburgh or Glasgow, it is a small, quiet town, with a gentle pace of life. On the other hand, if you arrive from a more remote area, such as the outer islands of Orkney, Kirkwall seems like a buzzing metropolitan centre with shops, cafes, traffic and areas of housing and industry sprawling south, east and west from its busy harbour. The development of cruising in Kirkwall can make a substantial difference to the town.Arrival of a 4000 person cruise ship over summer can cause queues to attractions and a jostle for space in the tea-rooms. If you can time your visit to not be on a cruise-day, you'll find the town much calmer.

The Kirkwall Tourism Board Centre is at the bus station in town centre.

Travel to Kirkwall

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kirkwall

• Kirkwall Airport IATA Flight Code: KOI 58.958056, -2.900556 five miles south-east of town: see "Orkney Islands: Get in" for more details - Kirkwall Airport Kirkwall airport Loganair fly to Kirkwall from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands. They also operate inter-island Flights to Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday and Eday.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kirkwall

There are four ferry routes between the Scottish mainland and Orkney. The only one to Kirkwall itself is the Aberdeen to Shetland vehicle ferry, operated by Northlink, which calls here several nights a week. Northbound it leaves Aberdeen at 17:00 (April-Oct Tuesday Thursday Saturday Su, November - March Thursday Saturday Sunday not Tu), reaching Kirkwall (Hatston Terminal) at 23:00 before sailing on to Lerwick for 07:30 next morning. Southbound the ferry leaves Lerwick at 17:30 (April-Oct Monday Wednesday to Friday, November - March West & Friday not M), similarly reaching Kirkwall at 23:00 before sailing on to Aberdeen for 07:00 next morning.

For practical details and tips on using this ferry, see "Shetland Islands: Get in". Points specific to Orkney are:

- ferries to Kirkwall, from both Aberdeen and Lerwick, are evening sailings arriving by 23:00, so you won't need a cabin, a lounge seat is fine. (But you need to have sorted your Orkney lodging, as near midnight is a poor time to start looking.) Sailings from Kirkwall to Aberdeen or Lerwick are overnight so you'll appreciate the cabin, and ability to doze on board till 09:00.

- at Kirkwall you need to disembark promptly, as the ferry will soon sail on. Hatston Terminal GPS 58.999 ,-2.981 is two miles north of town on the primary street to Stromness: look for the very large wind turbine. Check-in for vehicles is at the start of the pier, check-in for foot passengers is at the end. A late-night connecting bus X10 runs from Kirkwall right to the end of the pier, back to Kirkwall and then on to Stromness - it doesn't run if the ferry's not running. Bus X1 Stromness-Kirkwall-St Margaret's Hope also passes the junction for the terminal, but the last bus is a couple of hours before the ferry.

The other three routes, described under Orkney Islands: "Get in", are:

• Scrabster to Stromness vehicle ferry 2 or 3 times a day, 90 mins;
• Gill's Bay to Street Margaret's Hope vehicle ferry 3 times a day, taking an hour;
• John O'Groats to Burwick ferry for foot passengers and cyclists only, 2 or 3 times a day May-Sept, 40 mins.

Kirkwall is also the starting point for ferries between Mainland and the islands of Shapinsay, Stronsay, Eday, Sanday, Westray, Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay - see those islands for details. These sail from the piers in town centre, not from Hatston Terminal. For ferries from Stromness and Tingwall see Orkney Islands: "Get around".

Cruise ships often visit the Orkneys. They either berth at Hatston Terminal with a shuttle-bus to town, or anchor out in the bay with tenders bringing passengers ashore. The main tourist attractions get mobbed when they arrive.

Travel on a Bus in Kirkwall

June to August there's a daily bus from Inverness, which meets the John O'Groats foot-passenger ferry to Burwick, from where there's a connecting bus to Kirkwall: see Orkney Islands: "Get in".

For bus services around Mainland, see "Kirkwall: Get around".

By car

Kirkwall has numerous vehicle parks located in the town centre and harbour area. Parking around the harbour is free and mainly unlimited time, so it is the best place to park if you are exploring the town for a whole day. However and there can be a lack of parking in the town, even in the pay vehicle parks. Car Parks are charged at: Summer: 1 Hour - 40p 2 Hours - 80p 3 Hours - £1 Winter: 1 Hour - Free 2 Hours - 50p 3 Hours - £1

How to get around in Kirkwall

GPS 58.981|-2.966

Buses are operated by Stagecoach. Most of the Orkney Mainland buses run via Kirkwall. They are geared to shoppers and school-run, and there may be long gaps in the schedule mid-afternoon. A day-ticket costs £9 adult - worth it if you're doing more than a simple return. Drivers give change within reason. No bikes on the buses. The principal services are:

• Bus X1 runs right across Mainland east from Stromness, Stenness (near the stones) and Finstown to Kirkwall and then south across the Churchill Barrier past the Italian Chapel to Burray and Street Margarets Hope ferry terminal. It doesn't go as far south as Burwick ferry terminal. It's hourly between Stromness and Kirkwall, every two hours or so south of there.
• Bus 4 runs between Kirkwall and the airport every 30 mins Monday to Saturday, hourly Su, taking 10-15 mins. This one is regular, Sunday - Friday 06:15-19:15, Saturday till 16:15 when the last flight comes in.
• Bus 2 runs from Kirkwall via Scapa and Ophir to Houton, terminal for the ferry to Hoy (Lyness) and Flotta. Five or six daily, 20 mins. Also bus 5 runs from Houton to Stromness.
• Bus 6 runs every couple of hours from Kirkwall via Finstown to Tingwall, for the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre ferries, 20 mins. Only the first and last buses of the day continue round the coast to Birsay, so they're impractical for sight-seeing. You might get there on Bus 7, twice per afternoon, which runs from Kirkwall to Finstown then across the fields to Birsay and then on to Stromness.
• There's also X10 to the ferry terminal (see "Get in"), Bus 3 via the airport to Tankerness, Toab and Deerness, and Bus 9 which circles town.
• A circular tour bus Stagecoach T11 is advertised but doesn't appear to be running in 2018.

Taxi firms: see list under "Orkney Islands: Get around".

What to see in Kirkwall

The most attractive part of Kirkwall is the central alley, which starts as Bridge Street by the harbour, turns along Albert St and then widens into Broad Street with the Gothic Church and palace ruins. The Kirkwall City Pipe Band often parades here on a Saturday evening. The street then narrows again to the alley of Victoria Street. Just west of the centre, circumnavigate the Peedie Sea: once a tidal inlet, it's now been enclosed into two freshwater lagoons. (Well, 2.1 if you count the little overflow pond.) Beyond the centre, Kirkwall is a modern and work-a-day place, with various marine industries sprawling along the shore.

St Magnus Gothic Church, Kirkwall, viewed from the Bishop's Palace - Street Magnus Gothic Church, Kirkwall, viewed from the Bishop's Palace

• Street Magnus Gothic Church - Broad Street KW15 1NX 58.9814, -2.9596 Opening Hours: April - Sept Monday - Saturday 09:00-18:00, Sunday 13:00-18:00; October - Mar Monday - Saturday 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-17:00 Street Magnus Gothic Church St. Magnus Gothic Church at Sunset 32112 Founded in 1137 but taking 300 years to complete, this is an impressive Romanesque building with alternating courses of sandstone: red from Kirkwall and yellow from Eday. Probably the builders were the same as for Durham and Dunfermline cathedrals. The interior is atmospheric, dominated by red circular columns and multi-coloured textile hangings. This is a working church so it's closed to tourist visits for services, funerals etc. It started out as part of the RC Archdiocese of Trondheim but is now a Presbyterian parish church, so ecclestiastically it's no longer a cathedral.

• Bishop's & Earl's Palaces Watergate KW15 1PD 58.98067, -2.95905 Opposite the cathedral Opening Hours: April-Sept daily 09:30-17:30 Adult £5, conc £4 Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall - Bishops palace orkney Two ruins either side of the street. Enter the Earl's Palace and the newer one, first for tickets. The Bishop's Palace was originally built in the 12th C at the same time as the cathedral, but fell into ruin. It was restored and extended in the 16th C by Bishop Robert Reid, founder of Edinburgh University. Ownership then passed to the wicked, wastrel Earls of Orkney, and in the 17th C Earl Patrick decided that it wasn't grand enough, and set about building a new palace next door. He couldn't remotely afford it, even by the stratagem of lynching the landowner instead of buying the land, and by using slave labour.

• Orkney Museum Tankerness House, Broad Street KW15 1DG opposite the cathedral Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30-12:30 & 13:30-17:00 Free For 3 centuries this was the home of the Baikie family from Tankerness. It now houses exhibits on Orkney from the Stone Age to the present.

• Orkney Wireless Museum - call sign GB2OWM - Kiln Corner, 1 Junction Road KW15 1LB 58.9853, -2.95611At roundabout by harbour Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:30-16:30, Sunday 14:30-16:30 Orkney Wireless Museum Orkney Wireless Museum exterior2008 In the early 20th C radio technology developed rapidly, and was a lifeline to remote islands like South Ronaldsay. Jim MacDonald (1927-1988) grew up there and amassed a great collection, including rare prototypes and secret-squirrel military kit. And here they are.

• Highland Park Distillery - Holm Road KW15 1SU 58.968603, -2.95545 On A961 one mile south of town ☎ +44 1856 874619 Opening Hours: April - Sept daily 10:00-16:00, November - Mar Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00 Basic one hour tour £10 Highland Park distillery - Highlandpark - The world's most northerly Scotch distillery (just edging nearby Scapa Distillery), producing some 2.5 million litres a year for blend and a variety of single malts. These are more peaty than the Scapa whisky. Founded in 1798, it's now owned by Edrington Group of Glasgow, who also produce Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, Macallan & Glenrothes, as well as vodka and rum. Longer & pricier tours than the basic involve sampling more whisky: so imagine the £250 tour??

• Scapa Distillery - KW15 1SE 58.963667, -2.984975 On Scapa Flow 2 miles South of town, follow A964 Opening Hours: April - September Monday to Saturday 09:30-17:00 & Sunday 12:30-17:00; October - Mar Monday to Friday 09:30-17:00 Scapa distillery Scapa - Founded in 1885, though with occasional lapses in production and the present facility dates from 2004 / 5 and turns out a million litres a year for blend or single malt. It's only slightly peaty and the chief single malt bottling being the Scapa 16 year old. Short tour £10, 45 min, long tour £20, 90 min, booking recommended. The distillery is today part of Chivas which is part of Pernod Ricard.

• Grain Earth House is an Iron Age chamber, circa 1000 BC, entered by a 5 m underground passage. It was probably part of a larger settlement now engulfed by Hatston Industrial Estate on the north edge of town. Free to enter, but you need to collect keys from (and return them to) Judith Glue's Knit Shop at 25 Broad Street during business hours (Monday to Saturday 09:00-21:00, Sunday 10:00-18:00). The chamber is at the junction of Swordfish Road and Dakota Road, Kirkwall KW15 1GR.
• Wideford Hill Cairn: Maeshowe all booked out? This stone cairn is of similar construction and quality yet no-one else will be there. Built around 3000 BC, it has a central chamber with three cells to the side; nowadays you enter through the roof. It's set into the hill two miles west of Kirkwall (KW15 1TS), follow Old Finstown Road not the primary street. Free to enter, any time.
• Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn, is a similar but smaller burial chamber from 3000 BC. You'll need to crawl down the passageway into the chamber. It's a mile further west along the Old Finstown Road (KW17 2EJ), almost coming into Finstown village. Free to enter, anytime.
• Rennibister Earth House, circa 1000 BC, is a stone-lined underground chamber accessed by a hatch and a ladder. In it were found the bones of six adults and a dozen children, who may have been interred later. It's three miles west of Kirkwall (KW15 1TX) on A965 towards Finstown, bus stop "Rennibister", in a farmyard. Free to enter, any time.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kirkwall

• Norwegian Constitution Day - Opening Hours: 17 May To celebrate the historical ties Orkney has with Norway and the Norwegian Constitution Day is celebrated every year with a parade and guests from Norway.

• Street Magnus International Festival - Orkney's midsummer celebration of the arts. Founded in 1977 by a group including the late Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and the Festival has grown from small beginnings into one of Britain's most highly regarded and adventurous arts events. The next event is 21-27 June 2019.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kirkwall

Kirkwall has a good range of craft shops, and look out for the local Orkney Fudge.

• Ortak Jewellery, Garrison Road KW15 1RH
• Longship, 13 Broad Street KW15 1DH, has knitwear and other local crafts
• Orcadian Bookshop 50 Albert Street KW15 1HQ

Supermarkets: shop like a local at Tesco, /lidl/ Lidl or Co-op, all side-by-side on Pickaquoy Road A963, 400 yards south of the bus station. There's another Co-op in the centre of town.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Takeaways include Harbour Fry and International Chip Shop, both on Bridge St, and Willows Chinese on Willow Rd.

Cafes

• Strynd Tearoom The Strynd +44 1856 871552, Monday - Saturday 10:00-16:00. A cosy tearoom in an alley beside the cathedral, good cakes.
• Kirkwall & Street Ola Community Centre Broad Street +44 1856 871552, Monday - Saturday 09:00-16:00. Popular cafe opposite the cathedral.
• Trenabies 16 Albert Street, Monday - Saturday 08:30-17:30 & Sunday 11:30-15:30.
• @ 21 Albert Street, Monday - Saturday 10:00-16:30, Sunday 11:00-15:00.
• Pomona Cafe 9 Albert Street, Monday - Saturday 08:00-17:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00.
• Wrigley and The Reel, 6 Broad Street, Monday - Saturday 09:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-17:00. Coffee and music shop.
• Well Park Garden Centre KW15 1NE.

Restaurants

• Dil Se - 7 Bridge Street KW15 1HR☎ +44 1856 875242 Opening Hours: Daily 16:00-23:00 North Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.

• Busters Diner 1 Mounthoolie Place, daily 16:30-20:30.
• Empire Chinese 51 Junction Road, daily 12:00-14:00 & 17:00-23:30.
• Orkney Hotel, Kirkwall Hotel and Ayre Hotel all have good restaurants, see "sleep" listings.

As well as the local try the organic juice brewed at Orkney Brewery, on the north Mainland near Skara Brae.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kirkwall

Kirkwall - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kirkwall, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kirkwall. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kirkwall and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kirkwall. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kirkwall. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKirkwall: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kirkwall.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kirkwall: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kirkwall, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kirkwall.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kirkwall, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kirkwall, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kirkwall and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kirkwall, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kirkwall, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kirkwall without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kirkwall is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kirkwall.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kirkwall is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kirkwall, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kirkwall Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kirkwall

eHalal Group Kirkwall is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kirkwall. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kirkwall.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kirkwall ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kirkwall. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kirkwall, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kirkwall are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Kirkwall Hotel - Kirkwall Hotel

• Kirkwall Youth Hostel - Old Scapa Road, KW15 1BB 58.9749, -2.9689 ☎ +44 1856 872 243 Hostel with 56 beds including 21 twin bed rooms. In weary old wartime prefabs, but good facilities and small rooms.

• Orcades Hostel - Muddisdale RoadJust west of supermarkets ☎ +44 1856 873745 A high quality, family-run hostel. All of the rooms are en-suite and the kitchen and living room are stylishly decorated. Especially nice double rooms.

Lots of small B&Bs in Kirkwall. All the hotels are independent & family-run, with no chains. There's no stand-out "Luxury" hotel, but prices can be steep in mid-summer peak periods.

• Avalon House - Carness Road, KW15 1UE☎ +44 1856 876665 Small B&B at north edge of town.

• Albert Hotel - 7 Mounthoolie Place KW15 1JZ 200 yards north of bus station Decent friendly hotel, with bar & restaurant.

• Ayre Hotel - Ayre Road KW15 1QX 58.98431, -2.96208 Overlooking harbour ☎ +44 1856 873001 Comfy spacious hotel, probably top choice in Orkney.

• Kirkwall Hotel - Harbour Street KW15 1LE 58.98463, -2.95885 Facing ferry jetties ☎ +44 1856 872232 from £80 Family-run 36 room hotel.

• Lynnfield Hotel - Holm Road KW15 1SUA961 south ☎ +44 1856 872505 3-star hotel on south edge of town next to Highland Park distillery.

• Orkney Hotel - 40 Victoria Street KW15 1DN 58.98010, -2.96101 ☎ +44 1856 873477 . 3 star in 17th C building.

• Apartment 76 - 76 Junction Road KW15 1AR £525 per week A self-catering first floor apartment, sleeps four (one double, two singles). The same firm lets five other apartments around Orkney.

Out of town

• The Foveran - KW15 1SF On A964, 3 miles south of Kirkwall

. Family-run ‘restaurant with rooms' - eight of these, en suite.

• Horrie Farm Holiday Apartments - Tankerness - Two spacious apartments surrounded by farmland teeming with wildlife.
• Scapa Flow Lodges near Ophir

Travel Next

Kirkwall is within easy reach of the rest of Orkney. The top sights on Mainland are Stenness with its neolithic remains, Stromness the old fishing port, and the road across the "Churchill Barrier" past the Italian Chapel.

Beyond Mainland, visit one of the other islands for a tranquil contrast: Shapinsay is the closest.

And then either continue north to Shetland, or return south to the Scottish mainland - which you'll have to do to reach the Hebrides and other Scottish islands.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.