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Kirbuster Museum and its collection

Kirbuster Museum
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Kirbuster Museum 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. The site also has an Edwardian parlour and Victorian Gardens. 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.

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Open air Children Agriculture Animals

#72 Free museums in Scotland #142 History & Anthropology in Scotland #10 Agriculture museums in Scotland #8 Animal museums in Scotland #6 Children's museums in Scotland #4 Open air museums in Scotland #161 Agriculture museums in Europe #67 Agriculture museums in United Kingdom #70 Animal museums in United Kingdom #97 Children's museums in United Kingdom #52 Open air museums in United Kingdom

#72 Free museums in Scotland #142 History & Anthropology in Scotland #10 Agriculture museums in Scotland #8 Animal museums in Scotland #6 Children's museums in Scotland #4 Open air museums in Scotland #161 Agriculture museums in Europe #67 Agriculture museums in United Kingdom #70 Animal museums in United Kingdom #97 Children's museums in United Kingdom #52 Open air museums in United Kingdom

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Kirbuster Museum
Hundland Rd
Birsay
KW17 2LR Birsay

Images of Kirbuster Museum

Visitor information Kirbuster Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday
10:30 – 13:00
14:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:30 – 13:00
14:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:30 – 13:00
14:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:30 – 13:00
14:00 – 17:00
Sunday
12:00 – 17:00

Closed: 1st November - end February

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Admission

0+Free
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Facilities

Museum shop
Parking
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Hundland Rd, Birsay

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Kirbuster Museum have been found.

Kirbuster Museum Reviews

Kirbuster Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Kirbuster Museum in Birsay, Scotland offers visitors a glimpse into 16th and 17th century Orcadian farm life. This small, unassuming museum is set in the last surviving firehoose in Northern Europe, providing an authentic experience of historical rural living. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved interior, complete with original furnishings and a central hearth. The museum's strength lies in its ability to transport guests back in time through its authentic setting and artifacts. Many reviewers mention the knowledgeable and friendly staff who enhance the experience with informative tours. The gardens surrounding the museum also receive positive mentions, adding to the overall charm of the site. While some visitors note that the museum is quite small and can be explored relatively quickly, most find the experience worthwhile due to its uniqueness and historical value. A few reviewers mention that the museum might not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to the authentic, uneven flooring. Overall, the Kirbuster Museum is generally well-regarded for its authenticity and educational value, offering a tangible connection to Orkney's past.

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