Earl’s Palace is a remarkably complete stone ruin in Birsay, on Orkney’s Mainland, built as a residence for Robert Stewart, Earl of Orkney. Walk among the tall walls and large-windowed rooms, and look for the ground-level gun holes in the walls. The site sits beside high sea cliffs, with wide coastal views and a chance of spotting puffins on a clear day. Admission is free, and information signs help explain the palace’s history. Allow time to explore the uneven ground, and keep children close near the unfenced cliff edges.
Robert Stewart’s residence
Earl’s Palace in Birsay was built between 1569 and 1574 for Robert Stewart, Earl of Orkney and half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots. The surviving stonework gives a sense of the scale of the residence, with tall walls, large windows and rooms that remain remarkably complete for a ruin.
Stewart was known for harsh rule. Gun holes set near ground level in the palace walls point to the need to protect the building, though they do not explain exactly what threats he expected.
A short-lived palace
The residence was used for a relatively short period. The Stewart earls were overthrown in 1615, and an inventory made by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1653 indicates the building was already neglected. By 1700, it had lost its roof and was decaying.
Today, information signs help visitors make sense of the remains. Look closely at the high walls, large windows and ground-level openings as you walk through the site.
Cliffs, views and visiting with children
The palace stands beside high cliffs overlooking the sea. On a clear day, puffins may be visible, and the coastal setting gives the visit a natural-history element alongside the stone ruins.
The open ground gives children room to explore, but parts are uneven and the cliff edges have no fencing. Keep children close throughout. There is no large visitor centre, and the nearest toilets are in Birsay village or at the community centre. Parking at the site is limited, so use parking in the village. Windbreakers and wellies are useful in changeable weather.
FAQ
Is Earl’s Palace free to visit?
Yes. Admission is free.
How long do you need at Earl’s Palace?
About 15 minutes is enough for a short look around the ruins.
Can you see puffins at Earl’s Palace?
There is a chance of spotting puffins on a clear day, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Is Earl’s Palace suitable for children?
It can be an engaging stop for children interested in castles and history. The ground is uneven and the high cliffs are unfenced, so keep children close.
