The book of kells and trinity college had been on my must see list for years. The star of the show is the book of kells, a breathtaking, illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the new testament, created around ad 800 by monks on the scottish island of iona, but more stunning still is the 65m long room, the librarys main chamber, which houses around 200,000 of the librarys oldest volumes. In this historianled book of kells tour with skiptheline tickets, we will visit the book, explore trinity colleges famed old library, and examine celtic artifacts at the national museum of ireland, revealing how the light of learning shined brightly in ireland during the dark ages. Apr 21, 2011 the book of kells was to be their masterwork. The book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages. A 5 hour tour covering the celts, viking, medieval and english dublin. The book of kells is one of the finest and most famous, and also one of the latest, of a group of manuscripts in what is known as the insular style, produced from the late 6th through the early 9th centuries in monasteries in ireland, scotland and england and in continental monasteries with hibernoscottish or anglosaxon foundations. Book of kells irish cultural center and mcclelland library. Tripadvisor fasttrack easy access book of kells tour. The old library and the book of kells open seven days a week for visitorswe hope you have a chance to be one. Lasting 35 minutes, the tour encompasses the four major squares of the college. Book your tickets online for the book of kells and the old library exhibition, dublin.
Situated just off grafton street in the heart of dublin, trinity is perfectly located to explore the city. It is the oldest university in ireland, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i, and is famous for its graduates such as swift, goldsmith, wilde and beckett. The book of kells site is open daily with varying hours by season may to september. Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin castle.
This illuminated manuscript contains the four gospels of the bibles new testament and other sacred texts, written in latin. We just returned from the 14 day tour, and waiting in that long line was not worth the book of kells. When visiting be prepared to wait to enter, when i visited the wait was 45 minutes. Audio guides in english, french, spanish, german, italian, and chinese can be rented for 5. You will explore the 9th book of kells rich ornamentation, multilayered symbolism and meaning. The book of kells in trinity is considered one of irelands greatest national.
The star of the show is the book of kells, a breathtaking, illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the new testament, created around ad 800 by monks on the scottish island of iona, but more stunning still is the 65m long room, the librarys main chamber, which houses around 200,000. The monks wrote with quills made from birds feathers, usually from geese and swans. The 12thcentury writer gerald of wales, in his topographia hibernica, described seeing a great gospel book in kildare which many have since assumed was the book of kells. Fasttrack access book of kells and dublin castle tour dublin. Located in the heart of the city centre in trinity college dublin, the exhibition displays the book of kells, a. Written on vellum and containing a latin text of the gospels, it is one of the most popular sights in dublin. Given the popularity of the book of kells exhibit, i would recommend booking that in advance and then showing your tickets to get the tour for an additional 4. Book of kells and old library exhibition will temporarily close to visitors until further notice. Book of kells things to do dublin book today the beacon hotel. Located in the heart of the city centre in trinity college dublin, the exhibition displays the book of kells, a 9th century manuscript that documents the four. Nov 17, 2019 the book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages.
The old library book of kells exhibition dublin visitor centre. Enjoy ease of access with online fasttrack ticket entry to the book of kells. Tripadvisor fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with. It is known for its worldrenowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to the 800. Children under the age of 12 can enter free of charge. First your guide takes you through the colleges library, exploring the area known as the long room thats lined with books and statue busts of famous masters of science, literature, and art. Plan to visit the book of kells and the old library exhibition, ireland. A visit to trinity college and the trinity college library to see the ancient book of kells truly made my dublin travel experience more complete. Book of kells and the treasures of dublin context travel tours. After having remained in kells until 1654, the book was moved to trinity college dublin in 1661.
Dating back to 800ad the book of kells is considered the oldest book in the world as well as one of the most famous books. Trinity college is home to the famous book of kells. Gain a fascinating and quirky perspective on the irish capitals rich history in a cie tours exclusive. The book of kells and the long library is very worth a visit.
Book of kells early access tour with dublin castle. No book evokes such passion amongst art lovers as the 9th century illuminated manuscript known as the book of kells. Oct 28, 2016 given the popularity of the book of kells exhibit, i would recommend booking that in advance and then showing your tickets to get the tour for an additional 4. The book of kells here, is a manuscript of the gospel.
Apr 28, 2020 the book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. We gave the book a quick glance, and then upstairs to meander in the library. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript in latin, containing the four gospels of the new testament transcribed by celtic monks about year 800, when the rest of europe was in the midst of the dark ages. Book of kells tickets british isleswestern europe cruise. The library is home to one of the rare full color facsimiles created in order to increase education, study and access to the book of kells located at trinity college in dublin. Admission to the treasury to view the book of kells, entrance to the exhibition turning darkness into light and a fully guided visit to the old library of trinity college. Trinity college dublin and the book of kells is one the most popular visitor attractions in ireland and well worth a visit during your tour. The book of kells is an illuminate medieval manuscript that contains the four gospels of the new testament that was created in 800 ad and is considered one of irelands national treasures. The book of kells is widely regarded as irelands finest. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript, a book written by hand rather than typed or printed. Tickets for the book of kells and the old library exhibition cost 14 on the day for adults and 12 for children, students with id and visitors aged over 60. Aug 29, 2017 there are a few things to consider when deciding whether an early access book of kells tour is worth while, mainly the access and the price. First your guide takes you through the colleges library, exploring the area known as the long room thats lined with books and statue busts.
Authenticity tours offers a combined ticket which incorporates discounts on the cost of a guided tour of trinity college dublin and the admission fee to the book of kells and old library exhibition. Children 3 years and under are complimentary the book of kells is being removed from 4th november 2019 until early march 2020 due to essential restoration, and will be replaced with the only fine arts version approved by the 16th century. Trinity offers iconic meeting and event space, stylish dining and over 600 bedrooms on its historical campus. The old library and the book of kells is a lovely library thats often crowded. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kells widely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. The book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. Dec 05, 2015 a visit to trinity college and the trinity college library to see the ancient book of kells truly made my dublin travel experience more complete. Dublin tourism dublin hotels dublin bed and breakfast dublin vacation rentals dublin packages flights to dublin dublin restaurants dublin attractions dublin travel forum dublin photos dublin map. Throughout the tour i can also make suggestions for places you might like to visit during the rest of your stay. It was created in a columban monastery in either britain or ireland and may have had. To purchase a ticket for the guided tour, go to the authenticity tours desk, by the front gate, inside the campus. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four gospels of the life of jesus christ. The guided tour gives an introduction to the book of kells.
It was written in the 9th century by monks, who often worked for hours upon hours to copy books that were important. Trinity college dublin, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth 1, provides for a fascinating visit and it is one of irelands top attractions. Housed within the old library building, the book of kells is a precious 9th century manuscript, featuring an exquisite combination of ornate latin text and intricate illuminations. A visit to the book of kells at the old library in trinity college dublin is a journey through some of irelands most iconic cultural heritage. You can get a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour. Does anyone know if the book of kells library is open on sundays. How to see dublins book of kells for free or half price. Discover the rich history of dublins trinity college to see the book of kells. One of irelands major cultural and artistic treasures, the book of kells and the old library exhibition counts among the oldest texts in the world, dated to the 9th century.
The book of kells is a permanent exhibit located within the mcclelland library. The book of kells is irelands greatest cultural treasure and the worlds most famous medieval manuscript. Visit the book of kells and the old library exhibition on. We booked the book of kells early access tour with dublin castle. Stay at trinity college dublin in the heart of dublin and explore all that tcd has to offer including the book of kells exhibition, trinity gift shop and more. The book of kells and the old library exhibition tripadvisor. You can check the book of kells website before your visit, as times are subject to change.
With over 2000 of the oldest books housed in this gorgeous library, plus the book of kells, the 9th century gospel manuscript, what else could you ask for. This is a precautionary measure to minimise the spread of covid19. Changes or cancellations requested less than 24 hours before the tour departure time are not possible. Book of kells early access and dublin castle guided tour. When visiting be prepared to wait to enter, when i. The guide gave a lot of information out in a light hearted manner and kept us interested throughout.
Book of kells and old library in dublin attraction frommers. Tour dublin personal and private dublin tours with tourdublin. Beat the crowds early access to the 16 th century college to view the world renowned 7 th century book of kells and trinity colleges old library europes longest vaulted library experience a fully guided visit to both venues with an expert local english speaking guide. As the book of kells is on display in the old library within. According to tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience trinity college dublin. The book of kells is located in the old library building, on the south side of library square, inside trinity colleges main campus. The tour covers as much of dublin as possible in 8 hours and includes the highlights shown below. It also sets in context the colleges old library and its long room, which houses 200,000 of the colleges vast collection of books. The best way to see the book of kells is early in the morning, before the rest of dublin is awake. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin. The book of kells dublin must see the spencer hotel dublin. Book of kells, dublin ticket price timings address.
The tour of the book of kells and dublin castle plus a very informative walk between the two places made for a fascinating couple of hours. You will explore the book of kells rich ornamentation, multilayered symbolism and meaning. Four volumes are available for viewing, two of which can be seen normally, one is opened to display a majorly decorated page, and one displays two pages of script. The book of kells visited recently by the first lady of the united states of america, michelle obama and her daughters is by far the librarys most famous book and is located in the old library, along with the book of durrow, the book of howth and other ancient texts. Discover one of the most important highlights of irish heritage on this early access fully guided tour. One of the top sights in dublin and ireland s finest national treasure is the book of kells, on display at the trinity college library.
Book of kells is irelands greatest cultural treasure and the worlds most famous medieval manuscript. The tour guy was knowledgeable but did not move the group out of the rain during the tour. Discover how the worlds most famous medieval manuscript was made and learn about the rich symbolism behind it. Your tour of the book of kells, trinity colleges library, and dublin castle meets in the front of trinity college in central dublin. The grand chained library holds many rare works on irish history and presents frequently changing displays of classic works. The library is like a piece of heaven on earth for book lovers of course and also for others as it is exceptionally calm and informative. Book of kells kid connection irish cultural center and. The library is open all year round except for a week around the christmas and new year period. It is indeed an interesting place to explore and spend some time at. Book of kells early access and dublin castle guided tour 2020. Today the book of kells and the library that it lives in are a couple of the most popular attractions in dublin.
Youll be able to view an exhibition on how the book of kells was made, and general exhibits of ireland, while waiting for entry to the viewing area. Authentic local experiences stop in adare wellknown for being one of irelands prettiest villages and see its charming streets and thatched cottages. It has been on display in the old library at trinity college from the mid19th century. This book contains the harmony of the four evangelists according to jerome, where for almost every page there are different designs, distinguished by varied colours. Avoid the crowds and explore irish history in peace on this 2. It is known for its worldrenowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to. If you book with viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Visit trinity college dublin and the book of kells exhibition. Trinitys greatest treasures are found within the old library, built by thomas burgh between 1712 and 1732. The tour concludes at the main entrance to the book of kells and groups proceed to a self guided tour of the book of kells. I am doing some research and there is a tour company that offers a. Its about 10 euros to see the book of kells on your own, and 44 euros for the tour that i went on. Trinity college and the book of kells exhibition selfguided visit to saint patricks cathedral dublin castle grounds georgian dublin phoenix park lunch in a traditional dublin pub guinness storehouse or jameson distillery. Beat the crowds early access to the treasury to view the incredible book of kells and the old library.
Authenticity tours, which operates trinity tours, can facilitate any tour requests from members of the public or tour groups. Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin. It is known for its worldrenowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to the 800 ad. Prepaid admission to the treasury to view the book of kells as well as to the exhibition turning darkness.
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