Eynhallow Island
Uninhabited Orkney island with Norse archaeological remains
A small, uninhabited Orkney island between Mainland and Rousay, noted for seabird colonies and ruins of a medieval chapel. Visitors arrive by boat for wildlife watching, coastal walks and glimpses of Norse and monastic archaeology.
Eynhallow at a Glance#
Address: Eynhallow, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Hours: Sea access seasonal (May-September)
About Eynhallow#
Eynhallow is a small, uninhabited island in Orkney, Scotland, noted for its archaeological remains and seabird colonies. It lies off the northern coast of Mainland Orkney.
The island contains the ruins of a medieval Norse-era chapel and associated settlement remains, and it is valued for breeding seabirds during the spring and summer months. Visiting is limited - landings are short and usually run from nearby mainland harbors during the breeding season.
Archaeological work has identified Norse-period structures and farming activity; local tradition links the island with early Christian hermitages. There is no modern habitation.
Eynhallow sits immediately off the north coast of Mainland Orkney, between the larger islands of the Orkney archipelago, and is reached by small boat from nearby mainland piers.
- Access: Landing and visits are seasonal and strictly weather-dependent; small boat trips typically operate in late spring and summer.
- Archaeology: Contains visible Norse-period ruins including the remains of a chapel and domestic structures that attract archaeological interest.
How to Get to Eynhallow#
Seasonal boat excursions depart from Stromness (Mainland, Orkney); landing permissions vary - check local operators for schedules and conservation closures.
Tips for Visiting Eynhallow#
- Book boat trips early in the season (May-July) to see the largest colonies of puffins and seals.
- Bring binoculars and sit quietly on the skiff - the birds are remarkably tolerant if approached slowly and respectfully.
- If landing is allowed, follow island wardens' instructions; many nesting sites are protected and access is seasonal.
Best Time to Visit Eynhallow#
Visit May-August for seabird colonies and best landing chances.
Weather & Climate near Eynhallow#
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1092 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 114 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 88 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 100 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 66 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 52 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 54 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 62 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 13° | 75 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 105 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 123 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 132 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 121 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
