Easy Access Book of Kells and Trinity College Tour with Dublin Castle

Joined by a friendly local guide and small group of history-loving travelers, you'll wander through the grand library viewing famous texts like the 1916 Proclamation. Afterwards, you'll head to nearby Dublin Castle to explore its stunning gardens, then visit iconic city sites such as George’s Street Arcade and the Molly Malone Statue

Book of Kells, Trinity College, and Dublin Castle Tour Description

Your 2.5 hour tour includes:

• Pre-purchased Trinity College Library and Book of Kells tickets

• Skip-the-line entrance to the library and exhibits

• See the Book of Kells and "Turning Darkness into Light" exhibition

• Walking tour of Dublin Castle Gardens and castle exterior

• Visit a 9th-century Viking landing site, the Molly Malone statue, and more

• Friendly local Dublin guide

• Maximum group size of 18

Meet Your Guide on Trinity College Green

You'll head onto the beautiful Gothic campus of Trinity College Dublin, where your charming local guide will be waiting to greet the group. Admire the masonry surrounding the green that has inspired the architecture of university campuses around the world.

Easy Access and Tickets Included

One of the most visited sites in Ireland, lines into the Trinity College Library can amass in the hundreds, but you'll skip right past the queue to start exploring the grand library and museum.

The Book of Kells and "Turning Darkness into Light" Exhibit

Feast your eyes on the illuminated and intricately painted manuscript written over 1,200 years ago, the famous Book of Kells. Depicting the four gospels of John, Luke, Matthew, and Mark, at any time two of the four gospels are on display.

Written on pages of calf vellum, your knowledgeable guide will explain how this ancient text has been preserved under the care of Trinity College. The great book has been in the hands of the college since 1661, having previously been under the care of the Abbey of Kells about 40 miles outside Dublin. Though it is not known exactly where the book was produced, it was named after the abbey in County Meath and remained there for nearly 800 years.

In addition to the book itself, you'll enjoy the accompanying "Turning Darkness into Light" exhibit. Highlighting the history, art, and structure of the Book of Kells, this interactive exhibition brings the manuscript to life. With your guides explanation and the multimedia displays, you will be immersed in the world of this great book of gospels.

Trinity College Library; Long Room, Brian Boru's Harp and the 1916 Proclamation

Beyond the Book of Kells, Trinity College is home to one of Europe's great libraries and museums. As your guide leads you around the grand old building, you'll pass through the great Long Room. An architectural marvel of arches symmetrically lined with thousands of rare books, including original volumes of countless masterpieces, the room is a mecca for bibliophiles.

Not all of the treasures in the Library are books. You'll also see the medieval Brian Boru's Harp. One of the oldest harps still in existence, depictions of 14th-century instrument can be seen across Ireland. The harp is the inspiration not just for Ireland's Coat of Arms, but indeed the logo found on Guinness' pints and on Ryanair's planes.

Your guide will also show you one of the last remaining original copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Ireland's "Declaration of Independence" is the basis of the Irish state that finally gained freedom from the UK in 1922.

Dublin Castle and Gardens

Built near the dark pool (or Dubh Linn in Irish Gaelic) that gave the city its name, Dublin Castle has been the political and administrative center of Irish governance since its construction. The castle was the home of the British government that occupied Ireland for nearly 800 years. Still today, the castle is home to many government ministries and the site of state events and international visits.

The castle's gardens are sometimes called the Versailles of the Emerald Isle, and while they lack the sheer scale and grandeur of Versailles, they are beautifully kept and a wonderful place to take a stroll as your guide tells you more of Ireland's fascinating history.

Pay Your Respects to Molly Malone

After your time in the castle gardens, your carry on to Dublin’s 18th century, red-bricked George’s Street Arcade. Once a grand Victorian arcade, the shops and eateries found today are much more trendy, but the building still maintains its historic aura.

Before your tour ends, you'll visit a true mascot of Dublin—the statue of Molly Malone. Get that iconic photo and maybe sing a note of the famous song before enjoying the rest of your day in Dublin.