Image of Gaia in the Long Room in the Old Library

Image of Gaia in the Long Room from the upper gallery

Experience
the

wonder
history
future
journey
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.

Book Now

From €25 per person

Choose your ticket

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

Book Now

View of Gaia in the Long Room from the upper floor in the Old Library

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

Book Now

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

Book Now

Image of the Gaia display in the Long Room, with white sculptures along the aisles of bookshelves

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

Sold Out Today

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.

Learn More

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

     
 
 
       
   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.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   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.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Luc Bassette 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Fantastic library, very typical and steeped in history.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   patrick brady 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   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.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Jan-Paul van Atteveld 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
FANTASTIC ‼️‼️ impressive and educational. Very well done!!

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Louise 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Stunning! But the price is a bit expensive!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Avantika Sarkar 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +15
Absolutely marvellous! We booked the guided tour of Book of Kells and the college (tour with a student guide) and it was a fantastic experience! We would strongly recommend going for the tour with a guide, as the guides share some interesting facts and information about the college. We thoroughly enjoyed it and the tour is about an hour long. We were then led to follow the book of kells library, and this was without the guide. It is breathtaking inside, especially the long room! So beautiful that you’ll want to just marvel at all the incredible pieces that are kept there! Very well-maintained! We bought tickets directly on the website and we purchased them a few days in advance! Do not miss this amazing attraction in Dublin. It is definitely a MUST-SEE place!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Daphne 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Visited around the closing time on a weekday, so not many people here which makes the experience even better 📖📚 I had time to check everything in detail
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   David O Brien 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Superb location and value for those exploring Dublin City during the summer break before the students are back. Located only minutes walk from all major attractions in Dublin City Centre as well as buses, trains, light rail, etc. Staffed 24/7.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Per Caesius 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great exhibition. Great history. Very informative.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   martina 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Go now because soon it will be closed for 30 months they say due to renovations.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Valerie D 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
A must if you are visiting Dublin.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   lelia aldrey 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +35
The Book of Kells is a wonderful experience. It's breathtaking to enter that corridor and see so much history. Many books have been removed due to renovations, but the immersive tour is well worth it. You download the app and listen online in your preferred language. From the beginning, they explain the history of this exquisite book, which brings together the four Gospels and creates an impressive syncretism with Celtic and Norse pagan art. The book is kept in a temperature-, humidity-, and light-controlled chamber, and its pages are turned every few days.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Ketty Busatta 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
A must-see at least once in your life. Even though the Long Room is half empty—in the sense that it's not filled with books—due to extraordinary cleaning and maintenance work, the atmosphere is magical.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Heather Rieber 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +11
We bought tickets just a few hours before we visited, so only the Book of Kells Experience tickets were left, which we went ahead and bought just to see the Long Room library. The Book of Kells Experience was very well done for anyone interested in that. The Long Room was very cool. There were hardly any books in it when we visited since they are going through a large restoration project, but it was still cool seeing the library. I don’t understand all of the 1-star reviews just because people happened to visit during the restoration.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Rich Nuzio 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a very interesting visit. Liked the main building the red building is a possible skip, if you're short on time.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Stan Turner 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow. Well worth the visit. They will be closing the library for 5 years
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Natalia Ledchenkova 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
A truly impressive place. The Long Room is especially spectacular a magnificent historic hall with towering wooden shelves filled with centuries-old books. There is something magical about the atmosphere, as if you are stepping into living history. The Book of Kells is another highlight and one of Ireland’s most remarkable medieval manuscripts. Definitely worth visiting if you are in Dublin.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Kimberly Martindale 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
I highly suggest booking your timed ticket in advance and doing the student led experience!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Mi Mii 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +22
Must visit.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   L Al 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +11
What a magnificent exhibition of this most famous medieval book in the world! When you delve into the details of its creation, you can't help but be amazed! It's fantastic, but obviously very crowded! Perhaps choose an early hour in the day to avoid the crowds. But it's a must-see.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Sario Maurizio 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It's not just a library, but the very heart of Irish identity. A must-see if you want to understand this wonderful country.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Rose-Marie DE NADAI 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An emblematic place of the Irish University, I really enjoyed the bookstore and the kills.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Bianca 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience. Library was amazing to see. Lots of history. Located inside the Trinity College campus which is also beautiful to walk around.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Stuart Kenny 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
What an experience. Highly recommend if your in Dublin that you make the time to go and enjoy the Book of Kells, you won't be disappointed.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Rafa 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A curious story about the book and the library

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Deborah Melchior 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
A very nice visit

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Kathleen Digre 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a great venue. And the long room. Wow!!!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
 
 
      
   Travis Paola 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Moira provided an exceptional tour of the school! Well worth it.
  
  Posted on Google

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.