Skip-the-Line Dublin: Book of Kells & Castle VIP 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.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Patrick_K, 10/19/2025 10:48:57 AM
Anna was great! She was very knowledgeable and was a great guide for my wife and I for our trip ! Would recommend
Rebekah_S, 10/19/2025 4:38:18 AM
It was a delightful time, Alan (with the yellow hat) was extremely informative. He seemed to really enjoy his job tour which was nice. We where in a small group which I always prefer, so he was able to talk to us all individually. I leaned quite a few thing about the Book of Kells, and Dublin Castle. He even sang us Molly Malone and was enthusiastic when my mom joined him singing. When we where in the big red box as he called it during small movies he made sure I had a place to sit because of my motion sickness. Overall fantastic tour guide, highly recommend him!
Reginald_M, 10/19/2025 4:15:11 AM
Wonderful tour of the Book of Kells, Trinity College Library’s Long Hall and Dublin Castle. The tour guide, Alan was the best.
markasturdivant, 10/18/2025 7:43:00 AM
This was a great experience wirh a knowledgeable and often humorous guide. We learned lot of history about the city itself as well as the places we visited.
Meggo, 10/17/2025 1:56:25 PM
Amazing experience. It is a walking tour of Molly Malone statue, streets of Dublin, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and the Book of Kells. Tour guide Fergus made the experience!
Elizabeth_W, 10/17/2025 12:33:47 PM
Our tour guide was more of a facilitator in getting us from place A to place B, than in actually serving as a source of information about the locations visited. The tour was much more self-guided than I would have expected and it would have been helpful to have an orientation of the content before we viewed it. For example, I wouldn’t have expected to have to Google: “What is the Book of Kells?” after going through the first exhibit.
Rebecca_Y, 10/16/2025 3:35:23 PM
We saw so much! The Book of Kells was an extraordinary experience, not to be missed when visiting Dublin. We also loved the walking tour and seeing the historical places. Our guide was excellent and fun!
Adventurer632639, 10/16/2025 10:13:47 AM
Elisa a great guide with just the right of interesting information and a great grasp of history and how to explain easily and with humour. The TCD Library magnificent but Dublin Castle also great.
Rebecca_S, 10/15/2025 1:24:04 PM
Our guide was informed and friendly. She took us through the streets of Dublin to many interesting sites that we may have missed if not for this tour.
awarmstrong24, 10/15/2025 5:25:56 AM
Very informative but quite long. The tour took 3 1/4 hours — could have been done in 2 hours. Heard book of Kells story 3x .. pace wasn’t great.
- 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.
- 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
Departure 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.Redemption
- You cannot enter the venue with this voucher. - To participate in your tour, you must first check-in with the guide 15 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE. - You can only access the venues as part of your organised group tour. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled. Health & Safety: - This tour is not suitable for guests who require any device to assist with mobility. - Participants should be in good health, consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise. - Wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking. - Operates in all weather conditions. - Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund