Birsay
The Brough of Birsay is a small tidal Island that is accessible by foot at low tide. On the Mainland there is the Earl's Palace and St Magnus Church which was established in 1064. We loved this area of the Orkney Islands.
St Magnus Church Birsay established c1064
Orkney
Birsay is on the north west of the Orkney mainland and from where you can access the tidal island of the Brough of Birsay. This small island can be visited during 2 hrs both sides of low tide over a concrete causeway, although the island side requires walking over naturally rocky shore to reach the entrance to the island. There is an entrance charge paid to Historic Scotland although it is free to Historic Scotland members. The island has a small lighthouse, partly powered by solar energy. The Brough of Birsay is also home to many sea birds and will be of interest to bird and nature lovers.
On the Orkney mainland side of Birsay there is St Magnus Church which was built near on on where the original church was established in 1064, visitors to the church can get the key to enter the church from the local shop. There is also the historic Earl's Palace, built by Earl Robert Stewart who died in 1593. The buildings are interesting to visit.
The Brough of Birsay has a historical settlement that displays buildings from Viking and Pictish times. There is a small charge by Historic Scotland to visit the site. For your visit to Orkney it pays to take out an individual or family membership of Historic Scotland to allow you free entrance to many of the historical sites throughout the Mainland.
Books on Orkney (Amazon UK Store) We have the Patrick Bailey book on Orkney. Books are also available on Orkney from Amazon.com and in other currencies from Amazon - see top of page.
More pictures of Birsay.
The Brough of Birsay causeway is a tidal access to the island. Dogs are allowed on the island and should be kept on the lead to keep nesting birds safe. As there is steep cliffs around the island it is advisable to keep children under close supervision at all times.
Ancient settlement on the Brough of Birsay
Swans feeding at Birsay
External website's on Birsay
www.birsay.org.uk and the Birsay heritage section.
Brough of Birsay on Undiscovered Scotland
Brough of Birsay page on Orkneyjar
RSPB page on Birsay Moors
Historic Scotland Brough of Birsay information.
Birsay Bay Surf and Weather forecast
Accommodation at Birsay
Birsay Self Catering - 1 bedroom cottage
Birsay Outdoor Centre - Hostel Accommodation 3 Star