We arrived in Kirkwall at 11 PM on May 30, and realized we hadn’t made inquiries about how to get to our hotel (I thought the ferry terminal was right in town, but it was a few miles out). We need not have worried. There was a bus going right past it that obviously specializes in hauling people from the ferry terminal to the town! It was packed with people and luggage. It was a nice room, kind of spendy because there’s not a lot available in town. We were able to leave our luggage at the desk and explore until it was time to pick up the car and head to Stenness.
In my Facebook group inquiries about things to do in Kirkwall for a day, the Wireless Museum was highly recommended. And boy, it was a gem!
One big attraction in Kirkwall is St. Magnus Cathedral. It’s made of rose sandstone, which weathers beautifully on the exterior, and is the most gorgeous light on the interior.
This was my favorite thing! I’m not posting all of the paintings, but these stood out because of the animals, which are such an omnipresent thing in Orkney. Livestock and birds and domestic pets. I just love this!
Following are the misericordia carvings from the choir benches.
We dropped into the city hall for a craft fair! Really beautiful building.
We were super psyched that the museum was open. Fabulous collection: some nice contemporary art as well as ancient historical artifacts and a LOT of Orkney cultural information.
Finally, before our drive north to Stenness, we dropped by the public library. David would return here on the bus while we were in Stenness, as they bus stopped right outside our lodgings.
Debkakes in the UK 2025 