I have a friend who is even more enthusiastic about seeing new places, if that is possible! We are going to Borneo in August this year, but we have been talking about Orkney next year.
Now to see how I operate. Here I place the bones of the trip:
Selection of hotels from Booking.com:
Day 1. 11th APRIL
Fly Dublin to Kirkwall (Orkney) In 2025 we may be able to book “from Dublin through to Orkney”, the preferred way, or else hiatus for a prolonged time between flights to ensure there’s a connection in case flight times change on either or both sectors, and it might possibly involve a stay over in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Inverness. All depends on next year’s routes & timetables of Ryanair/Aer Lingus & Loganair. The final connection would be made through Loganair, “Scotland’s airline”. As of present in 2024 one can book with Loganair from Dublin through to Kirkwall (Orkney).
EuropeCar Hire at Kirkwall Airport
Would hire an automatic/hybrid car.
The choice of hotels lies realistically between staying in or around Kirkwall town, (convenient for various food outlets, restaurants) or out west towards the standing stones area which is majestically scenic in the evening light. Bright sunny evening light is both typical and magical in Orkney, no matter how cloudy and damp the day has been.
Day 2. 12th APRIL
Visit Stromness town and its delightful Stromness Museum also the Pier Arts Cebtre Yesnaby cliffs where the Primula Scottica may be seen, Skara Brae, Skaill House, Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
Day 3. 13th APRIL
Visit town of Kirkwall with its St Magnus Cathedral , Earl’s & Bishop’s Palaces, and Tankerness House . Drive south to Churchill Barriers, Italian Chapel, Orkney Fossil Museum and scenic & historical & scenic Hoxa Head where the splendid Hoxa Tapestry Gallery is located, also the nearby Sands of Wright, and Orkney’s 3rd largest settled, St Margaret’s Hope. Highland Park Whisky Distillery & Visitor Centre
Entertainment spots in Kirkwall:
Oot the Back distillery with heated booths
Day 4. 14th APRIL
Drive to Kirkwall Airport early and book on “Sightseer flight” with Loganair. Pot luck what route you are put on, but you meet people living on the small islands and get a taster of it in addition to magnificent scenic views and goodness knows what islabds you get to touch down on en route! A other great thing is that the air fares are substantially subsidised by the government, mes ing that you can have an exceptional day out for as little as £18. It’s a must-do experience in Orkney.
Northern Orkney Isles Sightseer Fares
The North Isles
EDAY SANDAY STRONSAY WESTRAY PAPA WESTRAY NORTH RONALDSAY
Day 5. 15th APRIL
Drive to Tingwall Ferry Terminal, drive over to Rousay island
Rousay Island, the Egypt of the North
and visit its pristine prehistoric sites. On return to Mainland, visit places like Click mill and Rendall Dovecot.
Additional sites to be visited en route to some of the places
Waulkmill Bay is Orkney Mainland’s https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/brough-of-birsay/most scenic beach.
Day 6 16th APRIL
Fly back to Dublin from Kirkwall. Again it depends on the routes in 2025 where & how we get to connect.
MS Martine: a life with Multiple Sclerosis 