Kirbuster Farm Museum
A rare preserved Orkney farmhouse in Birsay with a 16th-century peat-fired fire house, a Victorian parlour and a garden trail.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Kirbuster Farm Museum is a traditional Orkney farm in Birsay that opened to the public in 1987. It is described by Orkney Museums as the last unrestored "firehoose" in Northern Europe, a type of dwelling in which the fire burns on a central hearth and smoke escapes through an opening in the roof instead of a chimney.
The oldest part is the fire house, dating from 1595, with its central peat fire and stone box bed, a layout that recalls much older interiors such as those at Skara Brae. The parlour extension was added around 1723 and was home to the Spence and Hay families. The Hay family were the last people to live at Kirbuster, until the 1960s, and their bedrooms and parlour are shown with the original wallpaper and a carved marriage lintel.
Besides the house, visitors can see an Edwardian and Victorian-style parlour, Victorian gardens and an implement shed with farming memorabilia. The grounds also include a putting green and the Trowie Trail, a trail in the back garden based on Orkney's trows, the folklore creatures of the islands.
The museum is run by Orkney Islands Council as part of Orkney Museums and is open from March to October.
Highlights
- Fire house of 1595 with central peat hearth and no chimney
- Stone box bed in the fire house
- Parlour and bedrooms of the last family, with original wallpaper and marriage lintel
- Victorian gardens and implement shed
- Trowie Trail in the back garden
Permanent exhibitions
- Fire house and parlour – The 1595 fire house with its central peat hearth and stone box bed, and the parlour extension of around 1723 with the Hay family's rooms.
- Victorian parlour, gardens and implement shed – A parlour in Edwardian and Victorian style, Victorian gardens and a shed with farming memorabilia.
- Founded
- 1987
- Operated by
- Orkney Islands Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free and no booking is needed. A donation of £5 per person is suggested.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only a limited part of the site is accessible to wheelchair users, and the ground is uneven. Accessible toilets are attached to the shop beside the entrance and car park. Assistance dogs are welcome; other pets are not allowed.
Kids & families
The Trowie Trail in the back garden is a trail based on Orkney folklore creatures, and the grounds include a putting green.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
A car park is next to the entrance.
About 25 minutes by car from Kirkwall via the A965 and A968. The entrance is through the gate beside the custodian's office next to the car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
There is a shop on site. No café or Wi-Fi is mentioned.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Venue hire is available on request; contact the museum by email.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours can be arranged by email. Large groups should get in touch beforehand so that staff can be arranged. School visits and research visits can be arranged by email or phone. |
