Kirkwall Town on Foot

Kirkwall, Orkney Isles

by bus (if ship is berthed) & on foot

Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney and was originally the site of an ancient Norse town founded around 1000 years ago. Today it is a busy transport hub, with many ferry sailings to the outlying islands.

Meeting your guide on the pier, you will be transferred into Kirkwall. Here you will commence your guided city walk as you head for Harbour Street. Interestingly, Harbour Street was once called the ‘Ramparts’ as the street partly defended against the sea. You will then turn into Bridge Street and Albert Street: ancient thoroughfares that now house Kirkwall’s bustling main shopping streets.

On Broad Street you will pass the Mercat Cross dating from 1621, which was used to render verbal contracts binding in an age when it was difficult to prepare written agreements. Public proclamations were made at the cross, and it was also used as a pillory. Standing alongside the Mercat Cross is majestic St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137, which dominates the skyline for many miles. It is one of the finest and best-preserved medieval cathedrals in Scotland. Providing the cathedral is open to visitors, you will make your way inside. Your guide will likely explain how the construction of the cathedral was not completed for more than three centuries, with the present building representing the styles of the different building stages – Romanesque, Transitional and Gothic.

You will then proceed to walk the short distance to the remains of the Earl`s Palace, built in 1600 by Earl Patrick Stewart. The palace is probably the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Adjacent to the Earl’s Palace is the Bishop’s Palace, which was built in the mid-12th century to provide accommodation close to the magnificent new cathedral. It is probable that this palace consisted of a hall used for festive occasions and a tower house which formed the bishop’s private residence.

After your walk, you may choose to further explore the city independently or return to the ship.

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