Experience
the

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history
future
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stories

Don’t miss the chance to see the Book of Kells in person, marvel at our world famous Old Library and immerse yourself in history through our Book of Kells Experience.

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From €25 per person

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Four people looking at the digital exhibition

Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience

Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience

Add on Trinity Trails, the official guided walking tour of Trinity College Dublin. Led by our expert student tour guides, enjoy a 45 min English language guided tour before your Book of Kells Experience visit. Rated Five Stars by visitors.

From €37

120 mins

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Book of Kells Experience

Book of Kells Experience

Experience the wonder of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure. Includes entry to the Old Library and the digital exhibition in the Red Pavilion.

From €25

90 mins

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Guided Book of Kells Experience

Guided Tour

Limited Availability

Guided Book of Kells Experience

New guided Old Library tour as part of the Book of Kells Experience. Max group size is 16 people with an experienced tour guide.

From €65

75 mins

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Book of Kells & Old Library

Book of Kells & Old Library

Entry to the Book of Kells and Long Room in the Old Library. Kindly note this does not include access to the digital exhibition in the Red Pavilion.

From €19

45 mins

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Pages on
display

Discover the intricate symbolism and artistry in Book of Kells.

Gospel of Matthew folios 7v – 8r.

The pages of the Book of Kells are turned several times per year for conservation purposes. The pages currently on view are from the Gospel of Matthew.

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What you’ll see

Chapter 1: The Old Library, The Book of Kells and Gaia

Explore Trinity’s Old Library, view the world-famous Book of Kells and marvel at Gaia. Learn about the symbolism and artistry of the 1,200-year-old manuscript and get a close-up look at the current pages on display. Listen to our free audio guide to hear from Trinity experts throughout your visit.

The Old Library

The Long Room, often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries and affectionately known as “Ireland’s front room,” is a marvel to behold. Stepping into its grand chamber is an awe-inspiring experience, now made even more striking by the stunning Gaia installation.

The Book of Kells

Experience Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure like never before. In the Old Library, experience the wonder of the Book of Kells, and marvel at the Long Room, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

Chapter 2: The Red Pavilion Digital Exhibitions & Gift Shop

Venture on an extraordinary voyage through the Secret Life of the Collections, The Book of Kells 360 and The Long Room Reimagined – three immersive digital exhibitions that ensure your visit will be a memorable one.

The Red Pavilion

Our second building in The Book of Kells Experience, and home to three enchanting, immersive digital exhibitions. The Book of Kells Experience gift shop can also be found here, full of souvenirs so you can take a piece of your visit home with you.

Secret Life of the Collections

Enter the Secret Life of the Collections, where you’ll be enchanted as stories and artifacts come to life before your eyes. Interact with spirited sculptures including Ada Lovelace, Jonathan Swift and Rosalind Franklin.

Reviews

One of the most loved walking tours in Europe, according to visitors

4.93 3,204

Reviews

     
 
 
       
   Kelly Price 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reasonable and great value, highly recommended
  
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   Marilyn Steppe 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabulous! We learned a lot about the Book of Kells
  
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   romanidzeee 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +7
Very great experience I highly recommend it 🙂
  
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   Marion Dumanet 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful story and superb location!

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   Ich 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely beautiful, beyond words.

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   Connie Cy 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The long room is so amazing. I love old books.
  
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   Justin and Courtney Davis 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
We loved this experience! We did the audio guide and it really helped us understand all of the intricate details.  Our kids used the kids search booklet and had a blast with that.  The entire exhibit is well done.  The long room is breathtaking.  Although it’s currently under construction, they have done a great job at still showing how the library looks. Be sure to do the red pavilion also. It really brought it all to life!
  
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   Daniel Rodriguez 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
A must see in Dublin!
  
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   JOSE MIGUEL 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
You can't miss it!!

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   anne colombier 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The library is magnificent

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   Kartik 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +30
The long room is absolutely beautiful- dont rush your visit. Take some time out and sit there on the benches in the long room and enjoy it. Also spend some tome on the parks of Trinity college - its wonderful.
  
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   Tatty AR 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
Very interesting!
  
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   Carme Escamilla 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 100% recommendable visit! Very interesting exhibition! The library is spectacular!

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   Carlos Specht 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is far more impressive than it appears in the pictures.

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   Dean Morman 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
This was a great experience to see the work that went into creating the book and preserving it through the ages.  The library in Trinity College was worth the tour.  It was an awesome place to visit.   I recommend it to anyone who come to Dublin.
  
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   Alan D 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
Brilliant tour guide and a exceptional self guided experience within the red building too. Sad to hear that the library is closing in 2027 for 9 years for renovations?! So - go now while you can!
  
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   U. M. 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Book of Kells is certainly interesting for anyone who is interested, but The Old Library is of course the real highlight.

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   Shetravels95 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
There’s a reason why this is a must do when you’re in Dublin. The old library is stunning and we did get to see some books back on the shelf, which was great, but I was surprised by how much I liked the visual effects that they have throughout the rest of the exhibit is definitely worth exploring and taking time out of your trip to enjoy this
  
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   Bradlaugh Higginbottom 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Book of Kels is located on the Trinity College Dublin campus and is an amazing collection of Christian books and paintings.  Advance tickets are recommended although they will let you in early.  This is an important and inspiring collection, highly recommend to everyone.
  
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   Stephen Coleman 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience was excellent, and the audio tours were of a fantastic quality. Incredible bit of history to have.
  
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   Martin Volk 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very kellsy!
  
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   Pamela M. 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
What a phenomenal place to visit.  I enjoyed walking through the journey and taking in the smell of the old books. You are allowed to take pictures of all things, except the book itself - understandably.
  
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   s8 he950 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A really great tour, even though the main hall had hardly any books left due to the upcoming renovation. It's definitely worth a visit.

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   DY Leung 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
This is an unique experience to learn about the Book of Kells, its history, the significance and the making of the book in details which led to the actual viewing of the actual book.  Trinity College did a great job in creating this experience. They also added the other experience like the Long Room, 3D CGI presentations - to add to this must see location when one is visiting Dublin, Ireland.  The college campus itself was worth visiting also.
  
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   Yoshie Matsuo 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +9
We made a reservation to visit the Book of Kells as the highlight of our one-day Dublin tour. The exhibit allows you to learn step by step about the process of creating the Book of Kells, and you can learn who made it, what materials they used, and how long it took them to create it. As we viewed the exhibit, we reflected on how difficult it must have been to create this textbook at that time, and the skill and effort required to create something so decorative. The old library had its bookshelves removed in preparation for renovations, but perhaps we were lucky to see it at such a rare time. The Red Pavilion had a digitized exhibit that was even more visually appealing and impressive, but personally, I was still moved by the beauty of the Book of Kells, which was carefully and meticulously made by hand. It is a popular spot in Dublin, so reservations are essential even on weekdays. It was also great that audio guides in various languages were available.

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   Luc Bassette 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Fantastic library, very typical and steeped in history.

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   patrick brady 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing
  
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   Eddie McGee 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A brilliant tour. Take it all in at your own pace. Sit in the library,relax and gaze at your surroundings.
  
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   Jan-Paul van Atteveld 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
FANTASTIC ‼️‼️ impressive and educational. Very well done!!

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   Louise 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Stunning! But the price is a bit expensive!
  
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Plan your visit

Book Now

Opening hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Friday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday: 09:00 am – 6:30 pm

Get directions

Ticket policies, groups, discounts

Online booking is strongly recommended for the Book of Kells Experience and entry is timed.

Tickets are non-refundable once purchased.

Concession tickets are available for senior citizens and students. Students are required to present a valid student card upon entry.

Primary-Secondary teachers: please contact bookofkells@tcd.ie for more information.

Educational groups: please book at the group rate on our website.

Trinity students and staff are welcome to visit the Book of Kells Experience free of charge and they can bring up to 2 guests.

Pre-booking is essential. Each student/staff member must book a ticket for themselves and separate tickets for every guest they bring. For example, if a student/staff wants to bring 2 guests then they must book 3 tickets.

Type your Trinity student or staff number into the promo code box. A new ticket option for “TCD Staff/Student” tickets will appear at the end of the ticket menu for you to select.

Complimentary tickets are limited. If a time slot is not available, the option for “TCD Staff/Student” tickets will not appear.

Please try another time slot in that case. Please note that there is a maximum number of complimentary tickets that each student and staff members can avail of in a given academic year.

Trinity alumni are welcome to visit the Book of Kells of Kells Experience free of charge and they can bring up to 2 guests. Pre-booking is essential.

To book please email bookofkellsexperience@tcd.ie with your preferred date and time of visit, allowing at least 3 working days’ notice.

Booking is subject to availability.

About the tour

Your visitor experience starts at the Old Library building.

Firstly, you will enter the Old Library, where you will view the Book of Kells and explore the Long Room.

Afterwards, you will head to the Pavilion building to embark on a digital journey through the Old Library’s precious collections.

The Pavilion is located less than 1 minute’s walk from the Old Library.

Your experience ends at the gift shop located at the end of the Pavilion.

We recommend allowing an hour and a half for your entire visitor experience from start to finish.

There is an audio guide available in English, Irish, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Dutch, Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Russian and Ukrainian.

The audio guide can be accessed via a QR on-site at the beginning of the exhibit, or via the link below.

Open Audio Guide

All books from the Long Room have been removed as part of the historic Old Library Redevelopment Project, with the exception of the first four bays as you enter the space.

We recommend allowing yourself 90 minutes to take in the full visitor experience.

Non-flash photography is allowed for personal and non-commercial purposes throughout the Experience. Photography in the Treasury where the Book of Kells is housed is forbidden due to the sensitive nature of the manuscript. Tripods are not permitted. It is the visitor’s responsibility to ensure no copyright is infringed.

Accessibility and facilities

Accessibility Guide

There are no toilets in the Old Library, however there are toilets available towards the end of your experience. Please ask a member of our team to direct you to the toilets if you need to use the facilities during your visitor experience.

The Old Library is fully wheelchair accessible. On arrival, please speak to one of our staff members who will arrange for a Library Guard to assist you in using our elevator and accessing all areas of the exhibition. The Pavilion is also fully wheelchair accessible and is located on one ground floor.

There are no storage facilities available in the Book of Kells Experience.