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Kirbuster Farm Museum: A Living Link to Orkney’s Past

Step back in time at Kirbuster Farm Museum, Northern Europe’s last un-restored firehoose, where Orkney’s rural heritage lives on.

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Kirbuster Farm Museum in Birsay, Orkney, is Northern Europe’s last un-restored traditional ‘firehoose,’ dating back to the 1500s. This unique museum offers a rare glimpse into centuries of rural life, featuring a central peat hearth, stone neuk bed, Victorian gardens, and an Edwardian parlour. Visitors can explore farming memorabilia, enjoy a putting green, and wander the Trowie Trail, all within a historic working farm setting preserved until the 1960s.

A brief summary to Kirbuster Farm Museum

  • Kirbuster Farm Museum, Hundland Rd, Orkney, Birsay, KW17 2LR, GB
  • +441856771268
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-1 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between March and October for full access to the museum, gardens, and grounds.
  • Wear sturdy footwear due to uneven ground on the historic farm site.
  • Take time to explore the Trowie Trail in the back garden for a whimsical touch to your visit.
  • Consider making a donation to support the upkeep of this unique heritage site.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome, but other pets are not permitted inside the museum.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Kirkwall, take the A965 then the A968 to reach Kirbuster Farm Museum in about 25 minutes. Parking is available on site. Note that rural roads can be narrow and winding.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Kirkwall to Birsay with limited frequency; check current timetables in advance. The stop is approximately 1 km from the museum, requiring a walk on uneven terrain.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from Kirkwall to Kirbuster Farm Museum typically take 20-30 minutes. This option offers flexible timing but can be costly compared to public transport.

  • Walking

    For adventurous visitors staying nearby in Birsay, walking to the museum is possible but involves rural paths with uneven ground. Allow 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point and mobility.

Kirbuster Farm Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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A Timeless Hearth at the Heart of Orkney

Kirbuster Farm Museum stands as a remarkable testament to rural life in Orkney, preserving the last un-restored example of a traditional ‘firehoose’ in Northern Europe. Built in the 1500s and continuously inhabited until the 1960s, this farmhouse centers around a peat-burning hearth that once provided warmth and sustenance. The stone neuk bed inside the house echoes Neolithic designs found at nearby archaeological sites like Skara Brae, linking Kirbuster’s living history to Orkney’s ancient past.

From Farmstead to Museum: Layers of History

The museum complex includes more than the firehoose itself. Visitors can step into an Edwardian/Victorian parlour that reflects the evolving domestic styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Victorian gardens surrounding the house offer a tranquil contrast to the working farm atmosphere, while the implement shed houses an extensive collection of farming tools and memorabilia, illustrating the agricultural heritage that shaped Orkney’s landscape and culture.

Engaging Experiences Amidst Historic Surroundings

Kirbuster invites visitors to engage hands-on with history. Unlike many museums, it allows touching many artifacts, creating an immersive experience of farm life through the centuries. The grounds feature a putting green for casual recreation and the Trowie Trail, a garden walk named after the mythical Orkney troll, which adds a playful element to the visit. This blend of education and leisure makes Kirbuster appealing to families and history enthusiasts alike.

Preserving Orkney’s Rural Heritage

The farm was home to the Spence and Hay families until the 1960s, offering a continuous narrative of rural life through changing times. As a preserved site, Kirbuster Farm Museum provides valuable insights into Orkney’s social and agricultural history, making it an important resource for those researching ancestry or seeking to understand traditional Scottish island life.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

Open seasonally from March to October, Kirbuster welcomes visitors daily with free entry and a suggested donation to support maintenance. The museum includes a shop and offers guided tours by arrangement. Due to the historic nature of the site, visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges. Assistance dogs are permitted, enhancing inclusivity.

Location and Surroundings

Located on Hundland Road in Birsay, the museum is about a 25-minute drive from Kirkwall, Orkney’s main town. Surrounded by scenic farmland and coastal views, Kirbuster is ideally positioned for exploring the rich natural and cultural heritage of Orkney’s west mainland. The site’s peaceful ambiance and authentic atmosphere provide a memorable experience that connects visitors deeply with Orkney’s past.

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