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

Overview

Avoid the crowds and explore Irish history in peace on this Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour. Visit the Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—widely considered among the most important of all Ireland’s ancient treasures. Listen as your guide brings medieval Ireland to life, shedding light on the Book of Kells’ profound historical significance. Afterward, enjoy a guided walking tour around Dublin Castle’s mighty exterior. Visit the gardens and yards, and learn of the castle’s role as court, fortress, treasury, and jail.

• Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour

• Enjoy timed access to Trinity College Library and see the Book of Kells without the crowds

• Learn about the artistry, meaning, and symbolism of this revered illuminated manuscript from an expert guide

• Tour the grounds of Dublin Castle, hearing fascinating stories of its years as a prison, military fortress, and the seat of English Administration in Ireland

What's Included

• Tour is led by an expert english speaking local guide

• Entry to the College Treasury to view the 9th Century Book of Kells

• Visit to the 16th Century Trinity College campus

• Exterior tour of the13th Century Dublin Castle

• Book of Kells 360 & Long Room reimagined Experience & Gaia - The illuminated sculpture of Earth

What To Expect

Start your Book of Kells and Dublin Castle fast-track, early-access tour at the Trinity College Library in Dublin.

Beat the crowds of the day as you head inside with a guide who first takes you through the library and then on to the main attraction—the Book of Kells. See one of Ireland’s most important artifacts as your guide tells you about its history and significance to Irish heritage. You can look at the book’s pages, which are on display, as long as you like before moving on.

Next, your guide leads your group to Dublin Castle to see its lovely exterior as you walk around its grounds to see its gardens and other areas. Hear about the castle’s history as you stroll.

Your tour ends as Dublin Castle and leaves you with the rest of the day to explore Ireland’s capital city as you wish.

1

The Book of Kells Experience

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.

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

2

Trinity College Dublin

After your visit to the Book of Kells and Library enjoy 10 minutes at the venues souvenir shop.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

3

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 bon

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50 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

4

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Near public transportation

• Not recommended for travelers with back problems

• Most travelers can participate

• 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

• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers