Tours/Dublin/Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour
Viator · group up to 30 pax

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

4.7(4,073)Dublin1 hour
VIATOR4.7(2,454)TRIPADVISOR4.7(1,619)

Description

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.

Tour Options

Tour in English
  • English: Our Award Winning Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour with English Guide
Tour in Spanish
  • Spanish: Our Award Winning Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour with Spanish Guide
Tour in French
  • French: Our Award Winning Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour with French Guide
Small Group Tour
  • Max 15PAX: Smaller group size for a more intimate guided tour experience.

Itinerary

Admission included40 min

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.

Admission included10 min

After your visit to the Book of Kells and Library enjoy 10 minutes at the venues souvenir shop.

Admission included50 min

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)

Admission included5 min

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.

Highlights

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 included

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
Not included
Interior visit to Dublin Castle
Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off / Transportation / Food and Drink / Gratitude

Traveller Ratings

4.7
4,073 reviews
5
3,357
4
343
3
171
2
87
1
115

Important Information

  • 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

Reviews(4,073)

D
davidwO4ZS
July 6, 2026
Excellent tour of Book of Kells and surrounding Dublin

This was a brilliant tour! The book of Kells itself it grand but the tourguide, Richard was phenomenal. Very witty, great knowledge and passion about the history of the area. Lots of great suggestions about restaurants, shopping and museums. 10/10 would take another tour with Richard again.

F
F8575PBalexk
July 6, 2026
Fantastic tour!

We had a fantastic tour! Richard was so knowledgeable and expertly depicted multiple Irish buildings, relics, and the culture overall. Would definitely recommend this trip!

J
jettw113
July 6, 2026
Dublin Tour

Richard was excellent! Dublin castle was closed but he more than made up for it with his recommendations and knowledge!

S
Simon_M
July 6, 2026
Book of Kells

Dermot was awesome! Highly recommend. He is extremely knowledgeable about the book of Kells and Dublin.

K
KLNAStokes
July 6, 2026
Sean is the best!

Sean was amazing and a plethora of knowledge.

J
J5621VVtiffanyg
July 5, 2026
Outstanding!!!

Sean was amazing!! Extremely knowledgeable, well-spoken, engaging and very charismatic. The tour was gorgeous. I’ll have the most breathtaking memories for the rest of my life.

V
Valerie_F
July 4, 2026
I really enjoyed the...

I really enjoyed the guide. Trinity is an oasis of calm within Dublin. The architecture and the Book of Kells experience is fantastic.

D
Departure49955431024
July 4, 2026
Excellent tour

Guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

M
Mary_C
July 4, 2026
Dermot the. Divine ( tour guide)!

Dermot from LetzGo was amazing! He was incredibly knowledgeable and considerate, taking pictures and modifying the content as appropriate to the guests.

S
stevedZ362FY
July 4, 2026
Great Time!

A wonderful tour and our guide Coln) was excellent and very informative. We felt we knew Ireland by the time we finished. Thanks!

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