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)
5 stars
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
943devons, 3/3/2026 8:33:31 AM
Richard provided a great, educational tour and even included his own list of recommendations for various things like eating and shopping. It helped to have this experience my first day in the city. Would definitely recommend his tour for others that visit.
Hannah_S, 3/2/2026 2:52:46 PM
Martin was a great tour guide, super knowledgeable and friendly! He will also take your pictures for you :)
Brian_S, 2/25/2026 7:36:12 AM
This was an awesome tour from start to finish. Our guide Paul was so knowledgeable and handled all of our many questions. He also was very caring of me - an old guy with a cane. Highest rating from us!
Karin_O, 2/16/2026 3:47:53 AM
Wonderful tour! Martin was informative and entertaining. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour! The walking was just what we needed to keep moving on our first day.
I523KLdougc, 2/14/2026 8:35:12 AM
We were quite fortunate to have been assigned Dermot as our guide. He is knowledgeable, witty, personable and truly lives to share the culture of this city. The experience of Trinity and the Book of Kells itself is well worth the booking. On our walk from the college to Molly Malone and then towards Dublin Castle, Dermot filled every moment with auxiliary facts and histories of the architecture and streets. If you can request, he is the tour guide to maximize this experience. Cheers, Dermot!
Traveler000778, 2/3/2026 12:41:38 PM
I booked the St Patrick's Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour with Declan. At the time the tour was scheduled to begin it was raining hard, cold and windy. I almost bagged the tour - I am so glad I forged ahead! Declan is the perfect blend of edutainmnet - education and entertainment. He had an endless amount of Irish history knowledge. I highly recommend this tour - with Declan!
Jennifer_F, 2/2/2026 2:01:55 PM
Our tour guide was exellcent, very knowledgable and passionate. However, things I wish I knew before the tour: - No tour guide allowed inside Book of Kells experience and the Dublin Castle. Our guide had to do all the talking before the entrance (which is outdoors and could feel very cold after standing still for >10 min) - St Patrick's Cathedral has organized tour for public for free. You don't necessarily need a tour guide. Same with Book of Kells, there's audio tours available.
Adventure63344342287, 1/29/2026 5:19:42 AM
We had a fantastic tour in Dublin led by Dermot McGrath. He was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely warm and engaging. His passion for Dublin really came through, and he made the experience both informative and enjoyable. The tour could not have been better – highly recommended!
Karen_R, 1/28/2026 3:32:46 PM
They should know it is a terrific tour chock ful O information . Our guide Dermot was extrenely knowledgeable enthusiastic about the subject matter. He was patient pausing to field questions. Another impressive point- he was so very welcoming and made an effort to learn the names of the group. A great time had by all!
Jennifer_K, 1/28/2026 12:09:13 PM
Dermot M. was extremely knowledgable and kind on our tour. Highly recommend him for others visiting Dublin.
- 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