Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour

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
  • Entry to the College Treasury to view the 9th Century Book of Kells
  • Visit to the 16th Century Trinity College campus
  • Book of Kells 360 & Long Room reimagined Experience
  • Exterior tour of the 13th Century Dublin Castle
  • Entry to the Oldest Vaulted Library in Europe
  • Gaia - See the spectacular illuminated sculpture of Earth by Luke Jerram
  • Tour is led by an expert English-speaking local guide
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, 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
(2922 Ratings)
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Sunny
Aug 2, 2024
Take a tour with Declan! - This tour was fantastic. Our wonderful guide, Declan Roche was so knowledgeable about local Dublin history and told the best stories while showing us around Trinity College & Dublin Castle. He made sure everyone felt included and was a wealth of information. Very kind man and the tour was very worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paula_l
Aug 2, 2024
Take this tour! - Rory was informative and entertaining. Kept us moving along so we ended on time. Highly recommend! We will be back!
Review provided by Viator
Lonbonaway
Aug 1, 2024
Great guide who really knows and loves history! - The guide was terrific. She really knew her stuff and she was obviously passionate about it. It was really a terrific tour and well worth it. I highly recommend Teresa and this group Tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissaclaar1
Aug 1, 2024
Worth it! - We only had two full days to see Dublin. This was a great way to make the most of our time. Lots of free museums nearby to see afterwards. We took our two teenagers. Definitely worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrick_m
Aug 1, 2024
Best tour of Dublin - Martin C. was a great time! Very nice and informative of everything that was on the tour. Took pictures of everyone and answered everyone’s questions.
Review provided by Viator
39alan137
Jul 31, 2024
Must take guided tour. Book of Kells. - Alan was very knowledgeable and shared information before the tour started so you were not left in the dark. He also sings pretty good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Momerc
Jul 31, 2024
Early tour gave more time for inspiration viewing the Book of Kells and Trinity Library. - My daughters and I chose to go with LetzGo City Tours for the Book of Kells, Trinity College Library, the Castle and the Molly Malone statue. Doing so, we could schedule an earlier slot with smaller crowds. This was obviously the best choice by the time the next viewers started coming in. Seeing the Book of Kells with all of its rich history was both touching and delightful. Our tour guide shared the history in such a way that we had framework and inspiration to enjoy reading the greater depth of the tour display. So interesting! We were thankful we had a wee bit of extra time to be in the room. The breath-taker of the tour was the Long Room at the Trinity College Library. It was as picturesque and beautiful as any pictures we'd seen. Again, we had a little bit more time before crowds came in droves. We were happy about that! The Molly Malone statue provided the levity of the tour for many in our group, and who can resist the Irish gleam in the eyes of tour members trying to sing the famous song with such an interesting story. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and fun. He also knew nearby places to grab a great cuppa where my family and I could visit afterward. Thank you! I highly recommend LetzGo City Tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Masemantham
Jul 31, 2024
One of the best :) - I really love this tour! One of the best tours i’ve been to. Especially because of the guide, Martin. He’s really nice & accommodating. I was travelling solo and he made me feel welcomed :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_j
Aug 1, 2024
Excellent! - Dermot was a lovely tour guide. His historical knowledge of the Book of Kells, The Long Library and Dublin’s storied past was fantastic! He was very accommodating and ensured all questions were answered. Overall excellent tour and great way to learn more of Ireland’s history.
Review provided by Viator
Budmel
Jul 31, 2024
Allen is a Book of Kells expert - Allen knew his stuff, made the tour more interesting. He could have told us not to shop in the pop up gift shop but to wait for the one in the red building. And then he should give us time to shop a bit. He said we could come back on our own, but I’m there then and I’ve got lots of other things to see in Dublin. The William the Conqueror part could be spared.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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