Early Access: Book of Kells & Dublin Castle Tour
- Dublin
- Ireland
Book Early Access: Book of Kells & Dublin Castle Tour tickets online and discover some of Dublin's top historical sites
About
Duration:
2 hours 30 minsSmartphone tickets accepted
Instant ticket delivery
Skip the Line
Kid friendly
Free cancellation
Free rescheduling
Overview
The Book of Kells was described in 11th-century archival records as 'the most precious object in the western world', and its cultural and historical value has only increased since then. Imagine being able to see it without fighting the crowds!
Join your expert local English-speaking guide and learn the facts on the ancient book's origins in the exhibition Turning Darkness into Light. Explore its rich ornamentation, admire its intricate symbolism, and see how the book was meticulously illustrated using a special painting technique. Your guide will also explain its meaning and merit as an artistic masterpiece.
From here you'll pay a visit to the fascinating Old Library at Trinity College, with its world-renowned vaulted Long Room, home to 200,000 of the library's oldest books. Many of these are actual historic treasures. No tour to Dublin is complete without a peek inside!
What's Included
2.5 hours guided tour in English with expert local guide
Guaranteed skip-the-line entry
Entry to the College Treasury to view the 9th-century Book of Kells
Entry to the 'Turning Darkness into Light' exhibition
Entry to the oldest vaulted library in Europ
Visit to the 16th-century Trinity College campus
Exterior tour of the 13th-century Dublin Castle
Visit to the Dublin Castle Victorian Gardens
Molly Malone Statue
Visit to the first 9th-century Viking landing spot in Dublin
Instructions
- Show your smartphone ticket to the tour guide at the meeting point
- Meet your guide at by the Edmund Burke Statue at the Main Front Entrance of Trinity College, facing on to College Green, between the big wooden doors, and iron railings.
Additional Info
Wheelchairs or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended. There is no guarantee that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ADA/EU compliant ramps
No strollers
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation is possible until 24 hours before your visit
- Rescheduling is possible until 24 hours before your visit
Tips
- Arriving early means fewer crowds and better views of the famous manuscript.
- The Long Room in Trinity College Library is Instagram gold, take your time here.
- This is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- The guide provides fascinating insights into Irish history, so stay close to catch every word.
- You’ll also see Dublin Castle and gardens, both are steeped in Viking and British heritage.
- Plan a brunch nearby afterwards, Grafton Street has great options.
- Accessibility is limited, so double-check if you have mobility needs.
How to Get There
Frequently Asked Questions about Early Access: Book of Kells & Dublin Castle Tour
This guided tour includes skip-the-line entry to the Book of Kells exhibition, the Old Library and Long Room at Trinity College, and an exterior tour of Dublin Castle. You'll also visit the Dublin Castle Gardens, see the Molly Malone Statue, and explore the site of the first Viking landing in Dublin – all led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
The tour begins at the Main Front Entrance of Trinity College, by the Edmund Burke Statue, facing College Green. Look for the statue between the large wooden doors and iron railings. Please present your smartphone ticket to your guide upon arrival.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in and meet your guide.
Unfortunately, this tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility aids, as not all sidewalks and buildings visited are ADA/EU compliant. Strollers are also not allowed.
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including visits to Trinity College, the Book of Kells exhibition, the Long Room, Dublin Castle, and several key landmarks in the area.
Yes, early booking is strongly recommended. This is a popular skip-the-line experience, and early access ensures you avoid the crowds while viewing the Book of Kells.
Photography is generally allowed outdoors, but not permitted inside the Book of Kells exhibition or the Old Library’s Long Room due to preservation policies. Always follow your guide’s instructions.
Yes, free cancellation and rescheduling are available up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour time.
The Book of Kells is a 9th-century illuminated manuscript, widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval Christian art. It was described in the 11th century as ‘the most precious object in the western world.’
Located at Trinity College Dublin, the Long Room is one of the most stunning libraries in the world. It's a vaulted chamber lined with 200,000 of the library’s oldest books, and a highlight of the tour.
Early Access: Book of Kells & Dublin Castle Tour
- Dublin
- 2 hours 30 mins
Experience the fascinating and ancient Book of Kells, and more!
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