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.
Navigate back to the complete Travel Scotland Guide
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.
In the photo below you can see the natural causeway between the carpark on mainland and the island:
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.
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.
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
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.
And to give you an idea of what there is to see, here is a photo embedded from Flickr.
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.
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Love sharing? Here is another pin for you:
How far is the walk from the mainland to the lighthouse and pict brough? Is two hours enough time to visit these sites? Thanks!
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