Book of Kells Tour: Early Access & Dublin Castle

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: 24 hours
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
  • Entry to the College Treasury to view the 9th Century Book of Kells
  • Visit to the 16th Century Trinity College campus
  • Exterior tour of the 13th Century Dublin Castle
  • Book of Kells 360 & Long Room reimagined Experience & Gaia - The illuminated sculpture of Earth
  • Tour is led by an expert English-speaking local guide
What's Not Included
  • Interior visit to Dublin Castle
  • Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off / Transportation / Food and Drink / Gratitude
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.

  • Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of 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.
  • Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
  • Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
  • Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility
Location
Edmund Burke Statue
Grafton Street
Meeting Time: 15 minutes before the scheduled start time Meeting Place: Edmund Burke Statue, Trinity College, 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
(2995 Ratings)
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Erinsc8906rf
Oct 8, 2024
Great guide - Alan with the yellow hat was a thoughtful and engaging tour guide. We were grateful for his knowledge and ability to keep us all together.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelly_t
Oct 8, 2024
Excellent tour - Thank you to our guide Fergus for sharing all of your stories, it made our tour that much more special. Your knowledge was incredible.
Review provided by Viator
Bill_b
Oct 8, 2024
More than a tour of Trinity college and Dublin Castle. - Mary was a wonderful tour guide. Not only did she give us a clear understanding of the Trinity college and the book of Kells, but she gave us a wonderful guded tour through the streets to Dublin castle. We not only had a full appreciation of the book of Kells and Dublin castle, but also of Dublin's culture and history, as well as Ireland. Can't say enough about the comprehensive tour we received. Mary was a top notched guide giving us a true appreciation of Ireland and Dublin.
Review provided by Viator
Patty_t
Oct 8, 2024
Great tour - Mary was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and proud of her Irish heritage. Mary engaged the group and added her own bit of energy to the tour. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Ebsanchez
Oct 8, 2024
Immersed in History - Our guide, Alan, told us many stories and legends based on history of the old places. The tour was very enjoyable and the Book of Kells is a must see when in Dublin.
Review provided by Viator
James_k
Oct 7, 2024
Ciara was an excellent... - Ciara was an excellent guide. So informative and interesting. We had such a great experience. The book of Kells was amazing. Would highly recommend the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Charles_s
Oct 7, 2024
You'll Enjoy It! - We've been on lots and lots of walking tours in many countries, and this was without doubt among the best. Our guide, Mary, was delightful, informative, and professional in every way: explantions, commentary, pacing, and anecdotes--so our time was well-spent and well-worth the cost. Do it early on in your visit to Dublin to help you orient and get the "must-see spots" done. All four in our party enjoyed it immensely, and we believe you will, too.
Review provided by Viator
Hugh_t
Oct 7, 2024
Sean rocked it. - Sean was the best! He knew everything about the history and the politics of the various eras. He knew all about the book and the care taken to preserve it for centuries. When we ended up at Dubh Linn he recited a story for us. Amazing! I wish I could have had the time to do his storytelling event. He also gave us plenty of info at the end of the trip to do other things in Dublin. What a cool guy and a fulfilling activity.
Review provided by Viator
Dejadru
Oct 7, 2024
Great way to begin your Dublin visit! - Very nice tour! It made me wish I were staying in Dublin longer to see some other things in more detail. I took the first tour of the morning, and would recommend this as there were way fewer people... it gave the place a kind of magical feeling. I'd also suggest doing this on your first day in Dublin because he gave some great recommendations for other sites, shops, and pubs at the end. A small suggestion for next time: we spent a lot of time talking in front of Trinity College before getting going, and it would have been nice to spend that time instead actually in the exhibits. Our guide Declan was lovely, super knowledgable. Extra attentive touch: since I I was flying out that evening, he made sure I had a way to the airport and was giving enough time to get there, even confirmed I knew where to get the bus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_w
Oct 6, 2024
Great tour guide - Tour guide great presentation would recommend to others Should advertise this tour more. Recommend this guide to others
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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