Kirbuster Museum
Kirbuster Museum was opened to the public in 1986 and is the last un-restored example of a traditional ‘firehoose’ in Northern Europe. The house has a central hearth, complete with peat fire, and a stone neuk bed reminiscent of the Neolithic interiors that can be seen at sites such as Skara Brae, Orkney. Kirbuster was occupied up until the 1960s and was once the home of the Spence and Hay families.
The site also has an Edwardian parlour and Victorian Gardens. The implement shed contains a collection of farming memorabilia and visitors can enjoy a game of putting on the green and explore the Trowie Trail in the back garden.
An excellent place to visit if you are researching your Orkney ancestry, to get a flavour of what life was like in Orkney in bygone years.
Contact Details
- Kirbuster Museum, Birsay, Orkney, KW17 2LR.
- 01856 771268.
Opening Times
- Open April to October inclusive
- Monday to Saturday, 10.30am-1pm and 2-5pm (closed 1-2pm).
- Sunday, 1-5pm.
The main house, gardens, putting green and Trowie Trail are open.
FAQs
Is the museum fully open?
The house and grounds are open.
Are there restrictions on the number of visitors?
No.
Do I have to book my visit?
No.
Can I get a guided tour around the site?
At present, staff are unable to guide visitors around the site. Our museum blog has detailed information about Kirbuster Museum and its history which can be accessed from the 'Related Sites' section of this page.
How can I be sure it is safe to visit?
We ask you to use the hand sanitiser provided on entering and leaving the site.
Will the toilets be open?
One accessible toilet will be open for public use.
Will there be disabled access?
We are sorry that only a limited area of the site is wheelchair accessible.
Will the museum shop be open?
The museum shop will remain closed for the moment.
Will I be asked for my contact details?
No.
Admission
Admission is free of charge.
No dogs, except for assistance dogs, are allowed.
Further Information
To keep up to date with the museums in Orkney, please visit our Facebook and Twitter pages available from the ‘Related Sites’ section of this page.
Can I make a donation to museum funds?
If you wish to make a donation, please use the 'Donate Now' button below.
