The Book of Kells in Trinity College is one of ancient Ireland’s true treasures.
Especially as, in the process, you can wander around the breath-taking Long Room Library, which looks like a set from a Harry Potter movie.
There are several ways to see the book, which dates to 800AD:
- Option 1: On the standard Book of Kells tour
- Option 2: As part of the Trinity walking tour
- Option 3: On a combo tour
About the Book Of Kells tour
Although the Book of Kells tour is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The Book of Kells is found next to The Old Library on the north-side of Fellows Square at Trinity College. Situated just south of the Liffey and to the immediate east of the popular Temple Bar, the college is easily accessible on foot.
2. Admission
Standard adult entry to the Book of Kells tour will cost €26 for adults. You can also try this guided tour that’ll take you around Trinity and Dublin Castle (the reviews are excellent).
3. Opening hours
The Book of Kells is open for visits all year round:
- Monday to Saturday: 8.30am – 7pm
- Sunday: 9.30am – 6.30pm
The history of the Book of Kells
Now, it’s time to tackle ‘What is the Book of Kells’ and where did it come from. The Book of Kells history is an interesting one.
As it has been around since 800AD, it’s seen its fair share of action. And there’s a nice bit of myth and legend attached to it.
The origin story
Where does the Book of Kells even come from? Just a cursory glance at a map of Europe during the time period it was written (800AD) shows what a different world they were living in.
The Roman Empire had collapsed, Charlemagne had his tentacles all over the continent, and Spain was an Islamic Caliphate – crazy!
But miles away from all this drama on a wind-whipped island on Scotland’s west coast, the Book of Kells was being written (probably).
There’s no way of knowing conclusively if the book was indeed written on the island of Iona by the monks at a Columban monastery, but that’s one of the main theories.
The book may also have been created in the small town of Kells in County Meath. It stayed there for many years and takes its name from Kells (obviously), but it’s still difficult for historians to say if that’s where it was written.
Its impact
Despite the clear time and effort put into its creation, the book appears to have had a sacramental rather than educational purpose, with a lot more effort put into its lavish illustrations.
In fact, there are several uncorrected mistakes in the text.
Lines were often completed in a blank space in the line above, and transcription of the text was rather careless, with letters and whole words often omitted.
Clearly, it was designed for ceremonial use on special liturgical occasions such as Easter rather than for daily services.
Let’s be honest, though. Preserving its appearance through limited use was probably a good thing for us!
Survival
The book remained at Kells throughout the middle ages and was venerated as a great gospel book.
Following the Irish Rebellion of 1641, the church at Kells was in ruins, so around 1653, to keep it safe, the book was sent to Dublin by the governor of Kells, Charles Lambert, Earl of Cavan.
Some years later, it reached Trinity College and has been on display next to the Old Library at Trinity College since the mid-19th century.
Two volumes can normally be seen displayed at Trinity on the Book of Kells tour; one opened at a major decorated page, and one opened to show two text pages with smaller decorations.
How to see the Book of Kells
Photos in the Public Domain
So, there are 3 main ways of seeing the Book of Kells. Which option you choose will depend on the time you have and whether or not you want to visit Dublin Castle also.
Option 1: Self guided
You can book the tour direct with Trinity here and ramble around by yourself.
Option 2: The combo tour
Get a guided tour of Trinity, the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and a corner of the city on this tour (4.5/5 from 1,200+ reviews).
Option 3: The walking tour
The Trinity Trails include a 45-minute tour of the grounds followed by entry to the Book of Kells.
What you’ll see on the Book Of Kells tour
Photos in the Public Domain
One of the reasons that the Book of Kells tour is the most popular of the many things to do in Dublin when it’s raining is due to the sheer volume of things to see and do here.
Aside from discovering the Book of Kells history, you’ll also be taken through an immersive exhibition and through the stunning Long Room.
1. The exhibition
The exhibition before you view the book is essential to understanding it. I’ve explained above briefly about how it came to be, but the in-depth exhibition is a great way of comprehending the religious society of the time and the artistry that went into its creation.
2. The book itself
Made from high-quality calf vellum and extending to a total of 680 pages, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book written entirely in Latin and is opened at a major illustrated page and another one that shows two text pages with smaller decorations.
3. The Long Room
Three hundred years old and 65 metres long, there’s a good reason why the Long Room is one of the most photographed rooms in Dublin! Carved with an elegant wooden barrel ceiling and lined with marble busts of prominent writers and philosophers, it’s arguably just as impressive as the Book of Kells.
4. Book of Kells 360
Embark on an immersive experience with The Book of Kells 360, a journey through light and sound that delves into the history of this ancient masterpiece.
Places to visit nearby
One of the beauties of the Book of Kells tour is that, when you’ve finished, you’re a short walk from some of the best places to visit in Dublin.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Trinity:
- National Library of Ireland: Home to the most comprehensive collection of Irish documentary material in the world
- National Gallery of Ireland: Ireland’s premier art gallery on Merrion Square
- Key attractions: The GPO, the Guinness Storehouse, St Stephen’s Green and the Jameson Distillery
- Itineraries: 1 day in Dublin, 2 days in Dublin or 3 days in Dublin
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.