Experience
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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 Mark folios 129v – 130r.

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 Mark.

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

     
 
 
       
   Samson Yeung 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Historical library in the world !
  
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   Lisa Hampsey 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. More impressive than I anticipated.
  
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   Isabela Copola 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing tour! A must-see in Dublin.

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   josselin bastien 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍👍👍👍

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   Mario Lemoli 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful logo rich in history and culture!

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   keeley shen 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +10
It was a very interesting experience, definitely worth it! 😁

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   Daniela L. 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
The visit to The Book of Kells Experience exceeded expectations. The visit began with a walk around the university grounds with a student guide, who provided historical details with a relaxed energy. The old library, although only a portion of the books remain (the rest were removed for conservation), has a fascinating atmosphere. To top it all off, the immersive Book of Kells experience is fantastic. I highly recommend it.

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   Maria Moon 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
Exceptional and interesting.
  
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   Christine Jee 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Wonderful. Beautifully displayed and explained. Seeing the Long Room under refurbishment with the Moon museum is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don't miss it.
  
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   Ati Olson 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing, huge library and so many rows of shelves to explore!
  
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   Shareece Tatum 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Everything I was hoping itd be. Beautiful and ao full of history and knowledge
  
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   Ashley B. 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
The book is pretty legit.... However, it's the library that steals the show. Gorgeous architecture that you just have to see in person to appreciate. The smell is exactly what book lovers dream of!
  
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   Robin Palmerston 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is beautiful. The information is thoroughly and attractively presented. It was  very crowded, even at the end of the day.
  
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   Michel Steen-Hansen 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Amazing experience of a room. Even though it was being renovated so the books were temporarily removed. Wow

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   Christine L 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +7
Brilliant time at the Book of Kells Experience! It felt almost peaceful and reflective to be standing there in such a grand room. Even with so many books removed for restoration, it barely impacted the experience. Highly recommend booking time here if you are in the area. Beautiful to walk through this, the museum, and even the campus of Trinity College.

Now for my standard comments. Location is clean and well kept. There are some seating areas throughout if needed. Some unstable walkways but you can stick to the paved paths. Very comfortable to walk around.
  
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   TheBand93 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of my favorite tours in Dublin!
  
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   L Lemon 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +27
The Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College is definitely a must-see when visiting Dublin! The architecture is absolutely beautiful, and the Long Room is incredible to see in person. Trinity College itself is also a beautiful campus to walk around, explore, and take in the historic buildings. Even beyond the Book of Kells exhibit, the campus is worth spending some time exploring. Definitely recommend adding this to your Dublin itinerary!
  
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   Omar Kurdi 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +19
Incredible experience and what a beautiful exhibition. Very enlightening and so glad I got to see it. Trinity College is also gorgeous.
  
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   Gracjan Walch 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
The library is quite unique, totally worth visiting
  
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   Nancy Montaño ramirez 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When you visit Dublin, you can't miss this bookstore

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   YEC 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I almost didnt book this.... its actually ended up being oneof my favourite things I did... book the full experience...its worth it
  
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   Cem Ipek 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
Absolutely stunning and definitely worth a visit! The library is truly breathtaking. Even though a large portion of the books were not on display due to restoration work or ongoing renovations, the visit was absolutely worthwhile. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the historic books and manuscripts are particularly impressive, especially considering how many centuries they have survived. The campus itself is also beautiful and has a very special atmosphere. The historic buildings, the architecture, and the overall ambiance make the visit a truly memorable experience. An absolute must-see when visiting Dublin – highly recommended!

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   Halyna Shpak 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our guide, Philip, for the wonderful tour of Trinity College on October 21st. The way information is presented is very important to me, and Philip handled this perfectly: the tour was informative, engaging, sincere and warm. Thanks a lot!
  
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   Rhian J 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We found this experience really interesting. You learn the history and craft of the Book of Kells.  The audio tour is free and can be downloaded.
  
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   Yuliia 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing! The audio guide in Ukrainian was super informative and interesting
  
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   Guillaume D 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Standing in the middle of the old library aisle is an amazing feeling. I've been there a couple of times. Just make sure there aren't any renovations going on and that the books are actually on the shelves.
  
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   Richard Jones 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good
  
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   Trex Trex 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Simply beautiful
  
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   Ana Pelaez 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +9
Worth the money. I booked it with the Trinity College Trails Tour. Beautiful graphics, calligraphy work and history!
  
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   William Heimdallrson 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clementine was a wonderful tour guide, even during a double named storm and a rainy chilly morning! Thank you so much for the smooth tour and a rather enjoyable one at that. Plenty of humor and personality to go around. ❤️ Probably could not ask for a better person to show you around.
  
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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.