Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour
4.5
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LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour
By LetzGo City Tours
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About
Avoid waiting in long lines at the Book of Kells—one of the most important highlights of Irish heritage dating back to the ninth century—on this early-access tour. Meet at the easy-to-find Trinity College in central Dublin, and set off listening to the elaborate history from a guide who unlocks secret mysteries of the book. End your tour at Dublin Castle where your guide dives even deeper into Irish culture and heritage.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-99, max of 30 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Beat the usual crowds with early access to the Book of Kells
- Scan the Book of Kells at your own pace, without being rushed
- Hear hidden mysteries and secrets about the book from the guide
- Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy sightseeing schedule
- Tour is led by an expert english speaking local guide
- 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
- Entry/Admission - The Book of Kells Experience
- Entry/Admission - Trinity College Dublin
- Entry/Admission - Dublin Castle
- Entry/Admission - Molly Malone Statue
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
What's not included- Interior visit to Dublin Castle
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off / Transportation / Food and Drink / Gratitude
- Your tour of the Book of Kells, Trinity College’s library, and Dublin Castle meets in the front of Trinity College in central Dublin. First your guide takes you through the college’s library, exploring the area known as the Long Room that's lined with books and statue busts of famous masters of science, literature, and art. Afterward, it’s on to the Book of Kells exhibit, where you beat the crowds and head in right away. Hear a detailed rundown of the book and why it’s so important to Irish culture. Once you reach the actual book, take as long as you’d like to look over its pages. Your last stop for this tour is Dublin Castle. Walk around the grounds and the gardens as you learn more about Emerald Isle culture. Your tour ends at the Castle, close to public transport and other fun areas to explore.
- Start:
- Edmund Burke Statue, Trinity College Dublin, College St, Dublin, 2, IrelandMeeting 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.
End:- Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, Ireland
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8954P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Most travellers can participate
- 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
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8954P3
From €72.00
€63.20
per adult
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Itinerary
- Trinity College Dublin, College St, Dublin, 2, IrelandMeeting 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.
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- Dame St, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, Ireland
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 253bazm0 contributionsIt was worth every penny of it!Jameson Distillery and Guinness Guided Tour was our highlight of our vacation. Richard, the guide was friendly, knowledgable and helpful.The walk from the distillery to Guinness was full of history. We learned a lot about Dublin, Whiskey Industry and of course Guinness. Now, every time I have a pint of Guinness I really appreciate it a lot. In fact rest of our trip we just drank Guinness and finished off with a shot of Powers Whiskey. I would highly recommend it.Written 15 January 2025
- lucassH8746TP0 contributionsAmazing tour, highly recommendThe St. Patrick's Cathedral, Book of Kells, and Dublin Castle Tour was an unforgettable experience! The history, architecture, and breathtaking artifacts were absolutely mesmerizing. Our guide, Richard, was phenomenal—his knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling brought every site to life. He made the tour both educational and entertaining. I highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Dublin. It’s a must-see experience, especially with a guide as fantastic as Richard!Written 11 January 2025
- Trail677855878820 contributionsFantastic day!Such a fun day! The Jameson tour went by so fast, and had a terrific guide. The walk from Jameson to Guinness was full of history and we stopped at the oldest pub in Dublin on the way. Of course, if you like Guiness, the tour is a must,Written 11 January 2025
- Kenneth H0 contributionsHighly recommend. Ask for Fergus to be your guide!Wonderful tour guide named Fergus, he made the experience well worth it with plenty of knowledge and good craic. The Jameson distillery and Guinness store house are both extremely clean, organized, and informative.Written 8 January 2025
- nikkia9000 contributionsGreat experience - must do!!Both tours were brilliant - very different but both great. Alan with the yellow hat was a great guide - so knowledgeable and happy to share stories and give recommendations for other things to do. Must do experience if you’re in Dublin.Written 6 January 2025
- D270EKmargaretl0 contributionsSeagulls RiverdancingRichard was an outstanding tour guide. His extensive knowledge of both current affairs and historical events was truly impressive. Though the tour was on foot, he maintained a comfortable pace, allowing us to keep up without ever feeling hurried. Throughout the entire tour, he shared insightful information, answered questions, and highlighted intriguing details, all while infusing his commentary with humor. Despite the city's hustle and bustle, we could easily hear and understand him. Additionally, we were very satisfied with the dinner recommendations he provided. His passion for the city of Dublin was truly contagious.Written 4 January 2025
- melvind3980 contributionsSuper day thanks to our guide RichardOur guide was Richard, he was friendly and fun to be with and he was very informative. He made the whole experience a great day out to be remembered. We would definitely recommend this to family and friends that are heading over to Dublin.Written 2 January 2025
- Kendra L0 contributionsLoved this tourSean was energetic and entertaining! Great tour of Jameson and Guiness with some mythical stories sprinkled in! Thanks Sean!Written 31 December 2024
- Max A0 contributionsGreat bang for you buckGreat experience and worth the money to get a tour of both locations in one go. Sean is a friendly and knowledgeable guide!Written 31 December 2024
- E636ZKjennifers0 contributionsSean is the best ! Great tourSean is amazing! He was so informative, kind, kept us moving, but didn’t rush us. There was time at the end to explore on our own. Bearing the line made it worth it! Place is busy.Written 30 December 2024
- igodoh0 contributionsThanks Fergus!!Fergus was a wonderful guide and so knowledgeable! One of our favorite tours we did while in Dublin. Both sites were so fun and nice to do four hours together! Highly recommend!!Written 14 December 2024
- daniellesD4379DF0 contributionsGreat Dublin experienceSean was great. Super knowledgeable about the Jameson and Guinness history. Always stopped to ask if we had any questions, didn’t make us feel rushed but still kept us on time, and was super cheery.Written 12 December 2024
- joevX2385YC0 contributionsjames and guinness tourjameson and guinness tour was amazing. sean was a great and informative tour guide who helped make the tours amazing. highly recommend.Written 12 December 2024
- Craig O0 contributionsGreat tourGreat time at both places. Richard was a great guide. Walking tour in between Jameson and Guinness was great and covered a lot of interesting things about Dublin.Written 8 December 2024
- saeunnj0 contributionsSky is the limit!Our day was great from the start- we where in a beautiful surroundings of historical places and buildings and walls! The guide was great- loved her! And also we were only 4 people in the tour!!! GREAT! We had a terrific time in Gunnies store house- went to heaven and back! Sky is the limit! Nice weather did not spoil things! In the walk down town- we got to know so many things- about the buildings near by and all about how people are managing day by day. ( thanks Nieve??Brutal!sorry;) Book of Kells is a great place to be at weekends- really good 3d shows. Overall - happy happy with everything-perhaps it would be great to have a secured toilet break:). That is just my pour Guinness bladder talking. Thank again and Happy happy holidays!Written 6 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
1,278 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
127
Average
55
Poor
35
Terrible
39
TopDogTours
New York City, NY14 contributions
Mar 2020
My husband and I took this tour with Brian on our first day in Dublin and it was a great way to get introduced to the city as well as see the Book of Kells and the Long Library. Brian was EXTREMELY knowledable and passionate about the material. You can tell her really enjoys telling people about the history of Dublin. The lines weren't too long for the Library, but on a busy summer day, the skip-the-line feature would be very helpful to save time.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChristineEspen
Puerto Real, Puerto Rico113 contributions
This is the best and most efficient way to see the cultural highlights of Dublin. I would recommend booking this tour early in your trip as we learned of multiple things we needed to see throughout the city. Our guide, Gerry, was terrific and told intriguing and interesting stories about the history of Ireland. Tour was only 20 people so very intimate. Perfect for teens!
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori M
1 contribution
May 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed being with our guide, Frankie, as he gave us some entertaining and informative background on Trinity College, the Book of Kell’s, and other interesting things as we went out into the city. This is a good experience if you want an overview and we were happy with it. If you want to spend a long time in the anteroom of the exhibit itself , read every display, or listen to the audio tour, this is not for you. We did not feel rushed but were aware that we should keep up with the guide, which was just right for us. Not sure why it’s advertised as “fast-track, easy access” as we were just with everyone else who had a timed ticket (and it was pretty crowded on a Sunday afternoon) but we enjoyed having a local guide who gave just enough info and anecdotes to keep us engaged. Walking over to the Castle, we enjoyed more insight into that part of the city.
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Guest, thank you for your review. It's great to hear that you enjoyed both the tour and our expert local guide Frankie. Frankie is a local guide with all the historical and cultural insights told in such an incredible storytelling ability, making our tour a compelling, interactive, and enriching experience. Sunday is a busy day and with our fully guided easy access tickets you can ease through without waiting in a line to buy tickets.
Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Written 11 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie K.
Campbell, CA24 contributions
Don’t waste your time or money. The description makes it sound like you need a tour to get through a long line to see the Book of Kells, not true. Just get a ticket online and go and see the Book of Kells and the Library on your own, but check that they are still available, they are going to be taking all the books down to do renovations for three years apparently. But once you have a reserved time, you can go in right away. The guide isn’t allowed to talk inside, and so he had to speak
quietly and give details before we went in and we couldn’t even hear him due to the large crowds around us. We ended up leaving the tour and going in ourselves. What a waste of money.
quietly and give details before we went in and we couldn’t even hear him due to the large crowds around us. We ended up leaving the tour and going in ourselves. What a waste of money.
Written 22 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, it appears you checked in with another tour operator. We re sorry you didn't get to do our tour.
All the Best
Written 27 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TrailBlazer685631
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
I was disappointed with this tour. The cost was quite significant and the tour consisted of the guide advising they had pre booked our entry time into the Book of Kells, but could guide us through as they were not allowed. The guide would meet us in an hour to continue the tour. Then, we were to go to Dublin Castle, but not ‘go in’. Oh no, is was to look at it from outside. So effectively paid over $100au per person to walk a couple of streets, enter Trinity College, and look at a Castle and walled garden. Guide kept starting that they couldn’t guide in these areas as they weren’t allowed. Why promote a tour you can’t undertake. Buyer beware of this tour.
Written 16 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It appears that you were on a different tour. It is really important to double-check that you are presenting at the correct meting point for our award-winning tour.
Best Regards,
Written 21 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mindy M
2 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
We were unable to locate our guide because the designated meeting place was a closed entrance to Trinity College. We looked for an hour and a half, and all the security guards were looking for the guide as well. We called the contact telephone number twice, left 2 messages, but still no call back 2 days later. Have emailed them and requested a refund but have not been able to locate any humans. Save your money or go with a reputable company who will respond to issues and problems that arise.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir145061
1 contribution
Sept 2022
Our guide was knowledgeable and pleasant, which is why there is more than 1 star. But this was NOT a fast-pass and we did NOT avoid the crowds. We were the crowd. There were over 20 of us, and we shared the space with all of the other people at that time slot in the room with all of the details before you get to the actual book. What's worse, we didn't get the option to take the audio guide tour around the informative displays, just hit a few highlights courtesy of our guide.
I did enjoy the walk around town over from Trinity to Dublin Castle, but felt cheated out of the book part of the tour.
Our guide was hard to hear, and since there were so many of us, I missed half of what she said.
I did enjoy the walk around town over from Trinity to Dublin Castle, but felt cheated out of the book part of the tour.
Our guide was hard to hear, and since there were so many of us, I missed half of what she said.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello but unfortunately this review is for a different tour company., We are sorry you did not tour with us.
Best Regards,
Written 21 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gojencarr
Watsonville, CA554 contributions
We were excited about seeing the Trinity Library and Book of Kells and we booked a tour as we wanted someone to tell us more about it before and during our visit. However, our guide was really just the ticket handler, he gave us a little intro about the book before we went inside, but it was very light in content and we could have easily read what he shared with us. Also, odd that they have you meet your guide at the main gate but then you have to walk to another gate to go in to the tour. And it was annoying that the guide made everyone wait for people who left the group to find a restroom, people should use the restroom before showing up for the tour.
He brought us to the door and into the room with exhibits and then we were on our own. We saw another group with a tour guide getting insight on the library, but it was in French or else we would have hovered nearby to hear what she had to say.
We did not go to the Castle with the guide as we had already visited it during another walking tour a few days before.
We recommend you book a tour directly with the college (it looked like they have student lead tours available), or with a guide that will stay with you and give you a real tour.
He brought us to the door and into the room with exhibits and then we were on our own. We saw another group with a tour guide getting insight on the library, but it was in French or else we would have hovered nearby to hear what she had to say.
We did not go to the Castle with the guide as we had already visited it during another walking tour a few days before.
We recommend you book a tour directly with the college (it looked like they have student lead tours available), or with a guide that will stay with you and give you a real tour.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for contacting us however it appears you were on a different tour. Our award-winning tour is fully guided throughout and offers the most comprehensive insightful and curated experience available for two of Dublin's top historical icons.
It's a pity you missed our tour.
Best Regards,
Written 4 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
blueyes80304
Boulder, CO13 contributions
May 2023
We didn't feel this tour was worth it. The guide was friendly and well-informed and at least attempted to present the historical details in an entertaining way. But we felt a bit hurried through the Kells exhibit as well as the library, and of course we didn't know that they are taking all the books OUT of the library to install a sprinkler system. So, not so dramatic to see the library. The rest of the tour was just walking around the city blocks with a stop at Molly Malone (do we really need to be told why her breasts are so shiny?), an antique gallery, and then pointing at Dublin castle. Then we ended up parking on a stone wall for 20 minutes while the guide recited the whole history of Ireland. That's a lecture, not a tour. We couldn't wait to be back on our own, we would have done just as well.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, it appears that you were not on our tour. We are sorry that you missed our award-winning tour.
Best Regards,
Written 7 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pschreiner
Lafayette, CA18 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We had a wonderful guide for the Book of Kells visit to Trinity College yesterday. Neal McCourt, with letszgo city tours was chock full of historical fact and figures and wove all of them through interesting stories, legends and tall tales. We loved it!
The Long Room of the Old Library is a stunning space, the shopping districts charming and Dublin Castle a fitting end to the tour. I will recommend staying longer than ten minutes in the antechamber to the Book of Kells. It is full of gorgeous reproductions of the illuminated pages and curated exposition about the book.
The Long Room of the Old Library is a stunning space, the shopping districts charming and Dublin Castle a fitting end to the tour. I will recommend staying longer than ten minutes in the antechamber to the Book of Kells. It is full of gorgeous reproductions of the illuminated pages and curated exposition about the book.
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your 5-star review of our award-winning must-see Book of Kells and Dublin Castle tour.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed both the extraordinary content and of curse our local expert guide, Neil. Neil is a master storyteller and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and passion to our tour guests.
We look forward to seeing you again on one of our other fully guided tours throughout Europe.
Best Regards from All the Team
Written 1 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I use a "rollator" (a walker with wheels) and can walk for long distances. Could I take this tour, including the Book of Kells?
Written 2 June 2022
I believe so, especially the Library which houses the Book of Kells. The walk to the Castle is not long, maybe a half mile, and you go at a liesurely pace and stop a few times.
Written 4 June 2022
Bonjour j aimerai dire la visiter en Français est ce possible ? Mzrci
Written 21 November 2021
Are you open today, Sunday the 23rd?
Written 23 February 2020
I recall being there a couple of ours. It was very crowded and we were glad that we had a guide to get us to the right spot.
Written 20 January 2020
Do you have to go to the Molly Malone statue or can you stay on the castle grounds and go back to the library?
Written 12 October 2019
If you are in Dublin it is easy to tour on your own using the hop on hop off bus either Green or Red, both stop right at the entrance to Trinity College and the drivers give you a great guided trip of the city. To go to the book of Kells pay 15 Euro and get a tour of Trinity College and the entry to the Kells is free. You can by day passes on the buses for the number of days you will use them and you will get a pass to the Little Museum which should not be missed.
Written 13 October 2019
Are there any other available times after 9:15am on Nov 7th?
Written 15 September 2019
I am not sure. You will need to check with the tour company.
Written 16 September 2019
Our idea is to go On saturday.
We are coming from K Club
Where do you reccomend to Park our car? In order to Start your tour?
Written 5 September 2019
If we have the 12:15 tour booked, would we be able to do the 2:30 guided tour inside of Dublin Caste? Or is that cutting it too close?
Written 20 August 2019
I think it's possible. We did the same thing, though we went 1st thing in the morning (early entry). It might be tighter once the day is going.
Written 21 August 2019
What time does the tour start during the week? We would be going on a Thursday. Where do you meet? Thanks
Written 3 August 2019
Our tour started at 8 am and you meet at the front of Trinity College
Written 4 August 2019
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