Earl's Palace, Birsay
Orkney Islands, Scotland
Photo: Chmee2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Chmee2, CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Chmee2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Thurso, 38.1 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Built 1569-74 by Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney, illegitimate half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots; roofless since around 1700.
Pinpoint
Mainland, Orkney KW17 2LX
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Built between 1569 and 1574 by Robert Stewart, first Earl of Orkney and illegitimate half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots, and roofless since around 1700.
At a glance
Who to know
Robert Stewart · 1st Earl of Orkney who built it, half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots
Worth the trip
The courtyard plan - reviewers describe a genuinely fine Renaissance layout despite the roof loss.
Before you go
It's a remote, unstaffed site on Orkney's Mainland, often combined with a wider Birsay day out - reviewers mention nearby puffins and cliffs, so allow time beyond the ruin itself.
What visitors say
Earl's Palace, Birsay reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 693 Google reviews
Reviewers are struck by how complete the courtyard layout still feels despite the palace being roofless, and several relate its history - built for Robert Stewart, Earl of Orkney, and already neglected within a century.
Families note it's a genuinely engaging stop for children, though multiple reviewers flag the high cliffs nearby and uneven ground as needing supervision.
It's a remote, unstaffed, free site with only basic facilities, often combined with a wider day out around Birsay.
“If you're looking for history and education the Orkney Islands is very educational and historically informative. Beautiful scenery as well.”- Sandy Walker, visitor review
History
Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney · 1569-1574
Built between 1569 and 1574 by Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney (illegitimate son of King James V), the palace features Renaissance courtyard design with a great hall and corner towers. Construction occurred in two phases, with an inscription dated 1574 marking the first phase. The palace deteriorated rapidly after the mid-17th century and became roofless by 1701.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “Nearest toilets are in Birsay village or community centre nearby.” - Gabriela Mrozek
Common questions about Earl's Palace, Birsay
Where is Earl's Palace, Birsay?
Earl's Palace, Birsay is in Orkney Islands, Scotland, at Mainland, Orkney KW17 2LX.
Is Earl's Palace, Birsay free to visit?
Yes - Earl's Palace, Birsay is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Earl's Palace, Birsay?
The courtyard plan - reviewers describe a genuinely fine Renaissance layout despite the roof loss.
Is Earl's Palace, Birsay a ruin or still intact?
Earl's Palace, Birsay is a ruin - Built 1569-74 by Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney, illegitimate half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots; roofless since around 1700.
