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About Birsay

Birsay perches on Orkney Mainland's northwest coast, about 30 minutes from Kirkwall via the A965 and A966 through Dounby. The village overlooks the tidal Brough of Birsay, accessible on foot at low tide, where the remains of a 12th-century cathedral mark the former seat of Viking Earl Thorfinn's power.

Where is Birsay on the map?

Birsay is in Scotland, at 59.128, -3.303 - about 15 km north-west of Bimbister.

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Play a pub crawl round in Birsay

Nine holes from pub to pub through the real streets of Birsay. Every cup is a bar somebody actually drinks in.

Pub Crawl Golf: Birsay9 holes, one ball

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What is the closest airport to Birsay?

The closest airport to Birsay is Kirkwall Airport, 37 km (about 36 min by car). Other airports nearby: Eday Airport, Westray Airport.

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