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

About This Tour

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.

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 the13th 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

Itinerary

1. 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 min)
2. After your visit to the Book of Kells and Library enjoy 10 minutes at the venues souvenir shop. (10 min)
3. 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. 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) (50 min)
4. 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 min)

Meeting point: 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.

Good to Know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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.

Includes skip-the-line access. Maximum group size: 30 travelers. Available in: en, fr, es.