Kirkwall
Place in Orkney Islands, Scotland
| Coordinates: | 58.984, -2.96 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | HY 44 11 |
| Population: | 7,150 |
| Dialling code: | 01856 (Orkney) |
Kirkwall is the largest town and administrative centre of the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, located on the island of Mainland. Its compact streets are dominated by the red‑stone St Magnus Cathedral, whose 12th‑century origins reflect the town’s Norse and medieval past.
Historically a Norse earldom and later a key naval hub - nearby Scapa Flow played a pivotal role in both world wars - Kirkwall now anchors Orkney’s economy through fishing, farming, tourism and energy innovation. Visitors are drawn to local archaeology such as Skara Brae, lively music and arts festivals, and a strong community life that blends island traditions with a growing renewables and tourism sector.
Postcode districts covering Kirkwall
Neighbouring places
- Kirkwall East Ward 1.2 miles1.9 km
- Mainland of Orkney Island 3.5 miles5.6 km
- Holm of Grimbister Island 4.6 miles7.4 km
- Kirkwall West and Orphir Ward 4.8 miles7.7 km
- Shapinsay Island 5.6 miles9.1 km
- Finstown Place 5.7 miles9.1 km
- Gairsay Island 6.8 miles10.9 km
- Lamb Holm Island 6.9 miles11.1 km
- West Mainland Ward 9 miles14.4 km
- Burray Island 9.1 miles14.7 km
- East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray Ward 9.2 miles14.9 km
- Wyre Island 9.5 miles15.3 km
Example postcodes in Kirkwall
KW15 1RF, KW15 1GR, KW15 1DH, KW15 1EF, KW15 1LX, KW15 1NT, KW15 1FX, KW15 1DY, KW15 1XY … See all
Hotels in Kirkwall Ad
Schools in Kirkwall
- Glaitness School Primary
- Kirkwall Grammar School Secondary
- Papdale Primary School Primary
Local points of interest
- Quanterness Archaeological site 1.8 miles2.9 km
- Ring of Brogar Archaeological site 9.8 miles15.8 km
- Stromness Harbour Harbour 11.9 miles19.2 km