Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle
Overview
Enjoy ease of access with online fast-track ticket entry to the Book of Kells. Discover one of the most important highlights of Irish heritage on this early access fully guided tour. You will explore the 9th Book of Kells' rich ornamentation, multi-layered symbolism and meaning. It is known for its world-renowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to the 800 AD. This timed access tour offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the exhibition experience without the hustle and bustle of large crowds. Next, continue on this fascinating walking tour to explore the 13th century Dublin Castle and Gardens along medieval streets located within the original city walls of Dublin. Enjoy the history of Ireland and Dublin dramatized in extraordinary stories narrated by expert english speaking local guides.
From Autumn/Fall 2023 the Library at Trinity College will be closed for renovations. The 9th century Book of Kells will still be on display.
From Autumn/Fall 2023 the Library at Trinity College will be closed for renovations. The 9th century Book of Kells will still be on display.
Inclusions
- Tour is led by an expert english speaking local guide
- Entry to the College Treasury to view the 9th Century Book of Kells
- Entry to the Oldest Vaulted Library in Europe
- Visit to the 16th Century Trinity College campus
- Entry to "Turning Darkness into Light" Exhibition
- Exterior tour of the13th Century Dublin Castle
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
- Entry/Admission - Molly Malone Statue
- Entry/Admission - The Book of Kells & Old Library
- Entry/Admission - Dublin Castle
- Entry/Admission - Trinity College Dublin
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Book of Kells & Old Library, College Green Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Ireland
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.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Trinity College Dublin, Grafton St. College Green, Dublin 2 Ireland
After your visit to the Book of Kells and Library enjoy 10 minutes at the venues souvenir shop.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Dame St Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 Ireland
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)
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street, Dublin Ireland
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Book of Kells & Old Library, College Green Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Ireland
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.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Trinity College Dublin, Grafton St. College Green, Dublin 2 Ireland
After your visit to the Book of Kells and Library enjoy 10 minutes at the venues souvenir shop.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Dame St Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 Ireland
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)
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street, Dublin Ireland
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- Your health & safety are our primary concern along with making sure you have a great tour. Our guides follow hygiene protocols based on WHO & local government guidelines. We request guests practice good hand sanitization when entering & leaving venues & request use of masks when/where requested.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
David_M
October 2023
Our tour guide was late, disorganized and didn’t have anything to add that we couldn’t learn by simply looking around. She was more concerned with the one guest that was late than the 15 guests in front of her. When asked questions her answer was “all will be revealed” seriously, why is that st...
Our tour guide was late, disorganized and didn’t have anything to add that we couldn’t learn by simply looking around. She was more concerned with the one guest that was late than the 15 guests in front of her. When asked questions her answer was “all will be revealed” seriously, why is that statue here “all will be revealed” what’s the name of that church “all will be revealed”. I’m sure there are better tour guides, obviously other people enjoy these tours and we did get in to see the book of Kells. Maybe Maura was having a bad day, idk but we skipped out early and didn’t wait for “all to be revealed”. If you get Maura as your guide think about spending more time seeing the Book of Kells and doing the walking tour as a self guided tour.suezq916
October 2023
Moira is utterly magnificent! She is warm, personable, knowledgeable, energetic, and entertaining! Her historical knowledge of Dublin and it's history is utterly amazing, and her engaging personality makes this tour an absolute delight! We LOVED the tour, and I had been on a similar tour aroun...
Moira is utterly magnificent! She is warm, personable, knowledgeable, energetic, and entertaining! Her historical knowledge of Dublin and it's history is utterly amazing, and her engaging personality makes this tour an absolute delight! We LOVED the tour, and I had been on a similar tour around 5 years ago which wasn't nearly as good. And, just to mention, Moira looks a bit like a younger Helen Mirren!tomlees203
October 2023
Sadly the tour guide didn’t seem to actually have a strong grasp on Irish history and the history of Dublin. Very superficial and high level ‘facts’. You can purchase the Book of Kells ‘fast track’ directly from the university for about €18 and take a tour with a more knowledgeable and qualified ...
Sadly the tour guide didn’t seem to actually have a strong grasp on Irish history and the history of Dublin. Very superficial and high level ‘facts’. You can purchase the Book of Kells ‘fast track’ directly from the university for about €18 and take a tour with a more knowledgeable and qualified tour guide.marlajo_u
October 2023
Wonderful tour guide who brought Irish history to life. We do wish the tour had started on time instead of about 45 minutes later than advertised as we were very tired from traveling that day. Otherwise, it was a great tour.
Wonderful tour guide who brought Irish history to life. We do wish the tour had started on time instead of about 45 minutes later than advertised as we were very tired from traveling that day. Otherwise, it was a great tour.Hilda_F
October 2023
Antonio was wonderful! He made the Book of Kells come to life. I would use him again! It was such a fantastic walking tour
Antonio was wonderful! He made the Book of Kells come to life. I would use him again! It was such a fantastic walking tourOdyssey59631582060
September 2023
Excellent guide. It was so worth it to have a guided tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells. I got so much more out of these treasures.
Excellent guide. It was so worth it to have a guided tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells. I got so much more out of these treasures.