Tours and Tickets
Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle

By LetzGo City Tours
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.
from
€59.00
per adult
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
More

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
  • Entry to the Oldest Vaulted Library in Europe
  • Visit to the 16th Century Trinity College campus
  • Entry to "Turning Darkness into Light" Exhibition
  • Exterior tour of the13th Century Dublin Castle
  • Entry/Admission - The Book of Kells & Old Library
  • Entry/Admission - Trinity College Dublin
  • Entry/Admission - Dublin Castle
  • Entry/Admission - Molly Malone Statue
  • Guaranteed to skip the lines
What's not included
  • Transportation
  • Interior visit to Dublin Castle

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.

Departure details
  • Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland MEETING TIME: 15 minutes before departure MEETING PLACE: Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2 MEET YOUR GUIDE: Between the iron railings and the large wooden doors, at the College Green entrance. ***FOLLOW WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS AS VIATOR MAP DOES NOT CORRECTLY SHOW THE MEETING POINT***
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • 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
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travellers can participate
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves 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.
  • THIS VOUCHER IS NOT AN ENTRY TICKET. To participate in your tour, you must first check-in with the guide. You can only access the venues as part of your organised group tour.
  • 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.

Which attractions will I visit with Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle?
How much is Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle?
Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle price starts from €59.97. Discover and book Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle on Tripadvisor
What is the Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle cancellation policy?
Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle?
Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle is hosted by LetzGo City Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact LetzGo City Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle on Tripadvisor

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

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Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    Trinity College Dublin
    College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
    MEETING TIME: 15 minutes before departure MEETING PLACE: Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2 MEET YOUR GUIDE: Between the iron railings and the large wooden doors, at the College Green entrance. ***FOLLOW WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS AS VIATOR MAP DOES NOT CORRECTLY SHOW THE MEETING POINT***
    See address & details
  • 1
    The Book of Kells & Old Library
    Stop: 40 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • 2
    Trinity College Dublin
    Stop: 10 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • 3
    Dublin Castle
    Stop: 50 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • 4
    Molly Malone Statue
    Stop: 5 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
+
About the operator
LetzGo City Tours
1,697
Ireland
Joined in April 2015

#88 of 515 Tours & Activities in Dublin
  • 906hiteshg
    906hiteshg
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    Guinness storehouse and Jamesons distillery tour
    A great tour with a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, highly recommended and plenty of breaks for tired legs
  • Tonya P
    Tonya P
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    Book This!
    Mary, our tour guide was wonderful. She gave us context for our entire Ireland trip. We really go a sense of the history, culture and pride of this county. Could not be more pleased!
  • topd270
    topd270
    0
    0
    Great experience!
    Dermit was our guide and we had such a good time. So much fun we ended up going to dinner with the other members in our group.
  • nealm913
    nealm913
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    Great Tour, Great Guide, Great Stout and Great Whiskey!
    This has been on my bucket list for a long time and it didn't disappoint. The Jamison tour was interesting learning the history of the brand as well as the process. Can't complain about the tasting either! Richard, our guide for the walking tour to the Guiness storehouse and inside the storehouse was very knowledgeable and downright fun.
  • amandalI2476XD
    amandalI2476XD
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    Dublin Must-Do!
    A very fun experience! Definitely a must-do while in Dublin. Antonio was an excellent guide. He was funny, knowledgeable, and provided a ton of great recommendations of other things to do in Ireland.
  • 524chanday
    524chanday
    0
    0
    Lots of laughs and unique information about Dublin.
    First of all, Derrmit, the singing guide, was such a joy. He went out of his way to make my birthday celebration special. I definitely recommend this tour. We contemplated doing it on our own but this was, hands down, so much more fun.
  • 826mauds
    826mauds
    0
    0
    Learned a lot, super friendly tour guide, sang a lot, laughed a lot. Bring your walking shoes.
    Dermit McGrater, the singing tour guide was great. Super friendly and informative. Would book again.
  • lisa J
    lisa J
    0
    0
    🇮🇪 Ireland
    Absolutely brilliant Jameson everything Come here for the greatest drink bar Guiness what Ireland has ever produced Jameson Whiskey 🥃
  • Carol c
    Carol c
    0
    0
    Great tour and Mary, our tour guide was fantastic!! Visiting both places was well worth the time and money !! Thank you!
    The tour operator was excellent and the tour was fantastic . Mary was fantastic and highly recommended.
  • lwill82
    lwill82
    0
    0
    Not what the description said
    This tour went for 4 hours! It only mentioned a skip the cue for Guinness and Jameson, doesn’t mention anything about a long drawn out walking tour. Tour description needs to be more specific.
  • H8070NEmaureenh
    H8070NEmaureenh
    0
    0
    Wonderful!
    Richard was amazing! He spent the afternoon with our group and not only shared fabulous information about both Jameson and Guinness, he was also a fantastic tour guide as he got us from the distillery to The Storehouse. All the information he shared was not only informative, it was offered with lots of humor! The icing on the cake was that he is a Canadian…!!! Thanks so much, Richard…we so enjoyed our fantastic tours!
  • billw211
    billw211
    0
    0
    Great tour guide
    Our tour guide was excellent. He was very informative and talked about things that most tour guides wouldn't. The stopover at the Brazen Head pub on the walk from Jameson to Guinness was an extra added bonus. Our guide narrated a short mythical story that was quite entertaining. He made the tour!!
  • LyndonC471
    LyndonC471
    0
    0
    Skip this
    Completely unnecessary to take this tour. You're better off making your own way to either the Jameson Distillery or the Guinness Factory (though l would skip the latter) as the tour adds pretty much nothing of value.
  • Curious41305022803
    Curious41305022803
    0
    0
    Wonderful tour with an absolutely wonderful guide!
    The tour was amazing and I can't imagine there is a better guide than Richard available for this. Richard was informative and delightful the whole way through and the walk felt effortless due to the fact we were learning and seeing all the history the city has to offer. I literally can't recommend this tour enough, and I hope you are lucky enough to have Richard guide you!
  • Relax01694672519
    Relax01694672519
    0
    0
    Lots of fun
    Lots of fun, specially if you are not familiar with the Irish Guinness/Jameson legendary brands well known around the world. The tour at the Jameson Distillery is really amazing, meet up at the entrance, taste a Jameson drink at the main bar, bottle decoration is amazing, drink taste even better. Then you get moved to a state of the art rooms where they explain in detail the John Jameson origins, how they started the business, the process of elaboration of the whisky and taste samples of all the varieties they produce. You don't get the chance to experience the actual distillery, I mean the real production of it, got a redbreast 12 years age limited edition as a souvenir. Then we moved through the city streets to the Guinness brewery walking along historic sites. Guiness experience was good but too crowed, still have the chance to see and appreciate the brewery and its significant importance on Iris every day living. Tour ends at the top bar with amazing view of Dublin. Music and vibes were good but too crowed.
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4.5
1,007 reviews
Excellent
792
Very good
104
Average
48
Poor
34
Terrible
29

Stephanie K.
Campbell, CA15 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.
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.
Ciaran C
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.
Ciaran C
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
1 contribution
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
Sep 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.
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.
Ciaran C
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, CA472 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.
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.
Ciaran C
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, CO11 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.
Ciaran C
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, CA17 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.
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.
Ciaran C
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.

capewell893
Salisbury, UK28 contributions
Jan 2020
If visiting Dublin I would highly recommend doing this half day tour. Our tour guide Brian was superb, his knowledge of the city’s sights and history was fascinating. He was so enthusiastic and entertaining. The book of Kells and library are a must see and we walked through trinity college and around the points of interest in the city. He also pointed out some good places to go for lunch and other places to visit whilst we were there. He was happy to answer any questions and I felt he tailored the tour to suit our interests. Outstanding
Written 20 February 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.

Russell B
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Good tour to the grounds of Dublin Castle. This tour does not include entry into the castle but the guide provided a good overview of the castle and it's history. Being on the city streets it was a little difficult at times to hear the guide as he did not have an audio system.

We then got immediate entry into the Book of Kells at Trinity College. A great piece of history that is definitely worth visiting.
Written 21 July 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.

Richard M
BC, Canada324 contributions
Jul 2022
I would recommend booking this tour for the extra information and tips for the Book of Kells. I would also recommend booking the first tour in the morning - yes it might be an early start for one day on your holiday, but beating the crowds is priceless. The walking tour to Dublin Castle afterwards is very informative and helped us shape the rest of our day to enjoy Dublin.
Written 29 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.
Ciaran C
Hello Richard, it's great to hear that you have enjoyed the tour so much and that your local expert guide showed you the highlights of the Book of Kells as well as seeing Europe's largest vaulted library. We look forward to seeing you again on tour. Best Regards,
Written 3 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle provided by LetzGo City Tours