Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off the coast of northern mainland Scotland. The town is first mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046. It was established as the settlement of Rögnvald II, Earl of Orkney, who was killed by his successor, Thorfinn. In 1486 King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to the status of a royal burgh; road signs still indicate 'The City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall'.

The name Kirkwall is derived from the Norse name Kirkjuvagr (Church Bay). This was later corrupted to Kirkvoe and then Kirkwaa. English cartographers mistook the latter part waa as the Scots wa meaning wall, hence the town became Kirkwall.