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Brough of Birsay Orkney – Photos, Access and Practical Info

Last updated on November 21, 2017 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island off the north west coast of Mainland Orkney. Accessible only during low tide, you can see the remains of the settlements for 2 different cultures: the Picts and the Norse. Plus you can enjoy beautiful rugged coast and cliffs near the lighthouse.

Brough of Birsay Orkney

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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Brough of Birsay

The Brough of Birsay takes it name from the remains of a broch (Iron age drystone hollow-walled structure found only in Scotland). The site is less impressive than the Broch of Gurness but its location on the tidal island makes it quite special.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS

How to get to Brough of Birsay Location

  • Located on the Northwest tip of Mainland Orkney, Scotland
  • Well indicated road where A967 meets A966 near the town of Birsay
  • 25 min drive from Stromness and 30 min drive from Kirkwall

The GPS coordinates and location on a practical map are available on the Travel Guide eBook: The Road Trip Guide Scotland 

Visiting the Brough of Birsay

  • You can see the brough of Birsay at anytime fro the distance
  • However to visit the Brough of Birsay you must consult the tide times - you can walk to the small island on a causeway which is open for about 2 hours either side of low tide.
  • For Brough of Birsay tide times, check out the informaiton at one of the visitor center such as the Skara Brae one or have a look at this Tide table
  • It is very windy, bring appropriate clothing
  • Plan at least 1 hour, more it you want to tour the island
  • There is no boat access
  • Bring your binoculars, you might see puffins in May and June

The Brough of Birsay Tidal Island

On a clear day the road to the car park offers you great views of the island.

At high tide, it is separated from mainland by the Sound of Birsay, a 240 meter (787ft) stretch of water.

Brough of Birsay Okrney 1
Brough of Birsay Okrney 2

In the photo below you can see the natural causeway between the carpark on mainland and the island:

Brough of Birsay Okrney 3

Earls Palace Birsay

At the turn before you arrive at the Brough of Birsay parking, you can find the ruins of a mansion. This was the Earls Palace of Birsay, not to be mixed up with the Earl's Palace Kirkwall that is way more impressive.

This building is from the 16th century and used to be 2 storey. You can learn more on the Orkneyjar wesbsite.

Earls Palace Birsay 2
Earls Palace Birsay 1

The Brough of Birsay causeway

Below is a better view of the causeway to the island. Wear good shoes as it can be slippery.

Even if you don't cross the views of the island are nice. 

Brough of Birsay Okrney 5

Near the Brough of Birsay car park are some signs with explanation of the different settlements. On the photo above you can see the small building that used to be the Norse Church

Brough of Birsay Okrney 4

Pict broch at the Brough of Birsay

I did not have time to cross and visit the tidal island if I wanted to cover the many other sites on Orkney. As I was going to visit the well preserved Broch of Gurness, I thought these ruins were not as impressive.

Below is a a shot I had with my zoom from mainland.

Brough of Birsay Okrney Ruins 1

And to give you an idea of what there is to see, here is a photo embedded from Flickr.

Brough of Birsay Okrney Ruins  2

Embedded from Flickr - Photo by Dave Cleghorn


The Brough of Birsay Lighthouse

If you have time, the other side of the island has a beautiful coastline with cliffs and eroded shores. You can walk the the lighthouse and admire the work of the ocean.

Brough of Birsay Lighthouse

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.

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BROCH OF GURNESS ORKNEY

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SKARA BRAE ORKNEY

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

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Comments

  1. Lee says

    March 27, 2018 at 6:02 PM

    How far is the walk from the mainland to the lighthouse and pict brough? Is two hours enough time to visit these sites? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      March 27, 2018 at 7:04 PM

      Hi
      It is under 1km from the car park on mainland to the lighthouse
      2 hours is enough to cross and visit the small island

      Reply

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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