Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle: Fast-track Entry and Guided Experience
4.6
2,460 Ratings
Edmund Burke Statue
Experience the beauty and mystery of the Book of Kells on a guided tour with fast-track entry. Explore the rich history of Irish heritage and discover hidden secrets. Visit Dublin Castle for a fascinating journey through medieval streets and gardens.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Book of Kells & Old Library - Visit the 9th century Book of Kells, described in the 1007 Historical records off Ulster as ‘the most precious object in the western world’. The cultural and historical value of the Book of Kells has only increased in the millennium since - this exquisite work of art has stood for 1,200 years as the greatest example of medieval illumination. This tour starts by delving into its rich ornamentation and explores its dense symbolism and meaning and its merit as an artistic masterpiece.
  • Trinity College Dublin - After your visit to the Book of Kells and Library enjoy 10 minutes at the venues souvenir shop.
  • Dublin Castle - Continue on this fascinating fully guided tour to Dublin Castle, the heart of historic Dublin. Originally built in the 13th century on a site previously settled by the Vikings it functioned as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, courts of law and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years.

Rebuilt in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Dublin Castle awaits to enthrall all who enter her gates. On this fully guided exterior tour, see the original 13th century Record & Octagonal Towers, the Upper & Lower State Yards and their architectural highlights. Led by an expert local English-speaking guide who will unveil incredible secrets including tales of intrigue and mystery, this tour is a “must do” for anyone interested in the history of Ireland. Enjoy and added bonus on this magnificent tour of the 13th century Castle to visit the Castle Gardens, which is the very location where the first Vikings landed in Dublin in 795 AD. Today it is a magnificent Celtic inspired landscaped lawn. (This tour does not visit the Castle Apartments)

  • Molly Malone Statue - Visit the Statue of Molly Malone and join your guide and tour group for a few lines of good Irish cheer as you sing “Cockles & Mussels” alive alive oh”s well as being known and sung internationally, the popular song ‘Cockles and Mussels’ has become a sort of unofficial anthem of Dublin city. The song’s tragic heroine Molly Malone and her barrow have come to stand as one of the most familiar symbols of the capital.
What's Included
  • View the ancient 9th Century Book of Kells in the College Treasury.
  • Explore the historic 16th Century campus of Trinity College.
  • Admire the exterior of the medieval Dublin Castle from the 13th Century.
  • Gain entry to the oldest vaulted library in Europe.
  • Experience the ‘Turning Darkness into Light’ Exhibition.
  • Enjoy insights from an expert English-speaking local guide throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
  • Transportation
  • Interior visit to Dublin Castle
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up
Additional Information

Take pleasure in the convenience of online expedited entry tickets to the Book of Kells. Uncover a significant piece of Irish heritage on this early-bird, fully narrated tour. You will delve into the rich ornamentation, deep symbolism and history of the 9th-century Book of Kells, renowned worldwide for its artistic brilliance and the many enigmatic secrets it holds from as far back as 800 AD. This timed entry tour presents guests with a unique chance to explore the exhibition without the commotion of larger crowds. Following this, you’ll embark on an enthralling walking tour to uncover the 13th-century Dublin Castle and Gardens, situated in medieval lanes within Dublin’s original city walls. Experience Ireland and Dublin’s history brought to life through remarkable tales shared by proficient English-speaking local guides.
Starting Fall 2023, the Trinity College Library will be under renovation. The 9th-century Book of Kells will continue to be displayed.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
  • Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
  • THIS VOUCHER IS NOT AN ENTRY TICKET. To participate in your tour, you must first check-in with the guide. You can only access the venues as part of your organised group tour.
  • Wheelchairs, motorised scooters, or any other device to assist mobility are not suitable for this tour.
  • It is recommended that all guests purchase travel insurance that provides complete coverage for any number of issues that may arise.
Location
Edmund Burke Statue
Grafton Street
Meeting Time: 15 minutes before the scheduled start time Meeting Place: Edmund Burke Statue, 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, D02 E620 Meeting Point: Meet your guide at the Main Front Entrance of Trinity College, facing on to College Green, between the big wooden doors, and iron railings.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(2460 Ratings)
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Vickiemx3417je
May 29, 2024
Fantastic tour. - Alan our tour guide was excellent. He started on time, answered all questions, had a great sense of humor, and even gave us some pointers on other sights within Dublin. Alan was very knowledgeable about Trinity College, the book of Kells, and the Dublin Castle. I wish we had a bit more time in the Long Library, but overall, we really enjoyed the tour. My family and I learned quite a bit and enjoyed the tour immensely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jodie_m
May 29, 2024
Great tour guide - Our guide, Roger, kept us entertained with stories and history. He has a very quick wit and kept us all engaged. The tour was more than we expected. Roger is a great tour guide
Review provided by Viator
Terry_j
May 29, 2024
Alan is a great tour guide and historian. - Irish history lesson in 20 minutes! With that knowledge many things start to make sense. It’s an easy walking tour.
Review provided by Viator
Julia_k
May 28, 2024
Great walking tour in a focused area! - Guide John was very informed and engaging, and the walking route was a thoughtfully planned. The directions to exit trinity college were a bit sparse so I had a hard time finding my way off campus!
Review provided by Viator
Kate_s
May 28, 2024
Fun and informative tour! - Thank you Dermot for such a fun and informative tour! Our family enjoyed each stop and the added stories to entertain the kids a bit too! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Dana_g
May 28, 2024
Excellent overview - Dreamt was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and gave a great tour! Highly recommend this walking tour to get a great overview of Dublin and an intimate look at the Book of Kels.
Review provided by Viator
Carolyn_m
May 27, 2024
Totally worth it - Sean was an amazing tour guide. Nice pace. Sean knew so much about the history. Liked that we got to see the new exhibit.
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_o
May 27, 2024
Great tour - Our guide was very informative, and took the time to share, and answered questions. He made us all feel like we were friends.
Review provided by Viator
Al_r
May 27, 2024
Disappointing - Should recommend bringing your own ear pods to use the Trinity College tour app. Really disappointed that the Book of Kells was opened to a very mundane page. I was expecting so much more. Very overpriced. Tour guide Paula was very good, however.
Review provided by Viator
John_b
May 28, 2024
Okay tour. Not worth the money - Got left behind at the Kells experience. No attempt made to find me. Missed Castle and Molly Malone statue.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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