Leirvík is one of the oldest settlements on the islands. Archeological finds can date habitation app.. 1000 years back to the early Viking settlements, thus making the municipality an interesting visiting place for historically minded visitors. Around the old community at Toftanes, thousands of archeological discoveries have been made explaining previously unanswered questions.

Leirvík town is located on a plain with a large surrounding area. Large mountains around the town give shelter from the wind. To the north the town has a free view to the Atlantic ocean and during summertime the beautiful midnight sunset adds an extra touch.

The municipality is known for the existence of coalfish in large quantities which can be caught by rod either around the quay or by taking a boat just off the coast. The town offers sporting facilities such as a swimming-pool, an astro-turf and a gym.

Leirvík town has an excellent quay area with facilities for freighters and the fish factory is located right by the fishing dock. Apart from the standard fish species the main export goods are guldlakseprodukter which are exported to the European market.

Many of the important fishing locations are just around the corner where a species like cod is caught, however due to current market demand, some trawlers sail to distant locations such as Greenland, Svalbard and New Foundland.

Plans for building a shrimp plant are developing as one of the islands most successful shrimp trawlers Hvilvttenni has had remarkable catches by eastern Greenland. The market for the Leirvík shrimps would be Japan and countries in the far East.