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
Kenny_W, 10/24/2025 7:43:48 AM
Roger was a very good tour guide. Gave us a lot of historical facts but was also fun and was able to give us other info about the surrounding neighborhood.
Sally_G, 10/22/2025 1:13:40 PM
Declan is very passionate a knowledgeable about the city and its history. Part of the group was late - we were missing a group of 6 people. Three of the 6 showed up about 5 minutes late and said that the remaining 3 would catch up. Declan started his preamble about 5 minutes late (not an issue at all) but we didn’t start on the actual tour until about 25 minutes after the start time. Viator asks that you show up 15 minutes before the tour, which we did, so that meant we were standing in one spot for 40 minutes.
normacH126ID, 10/22/2025 4:47:50 AM
Roger was the best tour guide!!! He was very informative throughout the tour and provided wonderful restaurants after the tour . Enjoyed it!
Jim_K, 10/21/2025 8:04:32 AM
It was an awesome experience. Fungus was amazing, entertaining, enlightening and inspiring. A real learning experience. We had a small but diverse group. All were engaged throughout the tour. Everyone walked away a little more educated.
Becky S, 10/21/2025 4:13:39 AM
I recently did the Book of Kells/Trinity College/Dublin Castle tour and absolutely loved it! Our tour guide Declan shared so much of the history of Dublin at and between the featured sights. He had great enthusiasm and humour with the way he shared his knowledge - I wish my other tours in Irene were with him! I highly recommend this tour and ask for Declan if you can!
AmyS6488, 10/20/2025 5:56:09 AM
Anna was a lovely guide and she was incredibly accommodating when I had an emergency. She created a personalised and friendly tour.
Melissa_C, 10/19/2025 1:16:58 PM
It was very informative and talked a lot about the history of Ireland. The library at Trinity College was the highlight for me.
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.
- 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