There are 4 ways to get from dublin to kells by bus, taxi, car or towncar. Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin castle star4. The book of kells, one of great treasures of medieval europe, is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing four gospels of new testament matthew, mark, luke and john. Dont miss out on great deals for things to do on your trip to dublin. But despite visiting dublin on numerous occasions, i had never visited one of the most famous books, in one of the most famous libraries, in the world the book of kells in the trinity college library. My wife and i were on the first tour of the college a few euros or free, i cant remember and were deposited at the book of kells line afterwards.
Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kellswidely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. Once inside, well see the book of mulling and the book of dimmaboth 8th century pocket gospels. 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. Continue on your tour to dublin castle, located in the heart of historic dublin. This beautiful and fascinating masterpiece is considered the. The book of kells contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin translation. It is known for its worldrenowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to the 800. Learn about its dense symbolism and rich ornamentation.
The book was found in the abbey of kells, hence its name the book of kells. The star of the show is the book of kells, a breathtaking, illuminated manuscript of the four. This early access tour offers visitors to dublin a one of a kind opportunity to enjoy the exhibition experience without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Enter the old library at trinity college dublin to see the illuminated manuscript of the book of kells. The book of kells located within the walls of trinity college dublin was written around 800ad. Book your tickets online for the book of kells and the old library exhibition, dublin. Marys procathedral later our guide would explain to us that a procathedral was a cathedralinwaiting, although st. Book of kells early access tour with dublin castle. After a viking raid which killed many members of their community they moved inland to kells, county meath about 70 kilometers northwest of dublin and continued work on the book. I dont remember paying anything but we also had the opw card which was a big financial winner on our 12 day visit. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kells widely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. Jan 22, 2014 during our trip to dublin we spent some time checking out the book of kells and trinity college. Confusion over trinity collegebook of kells tours dublin. Book of kells early access and dublin castle guided tour 2020.
The fairytale traveler experience at the book of kells. Spend less time reading maps and more time soaking up the scenery on a stressfree tour from dublin. Book of kells tour monastic treasures with a historian. Book of kells early access and dublin castle guided tour dublin. 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. Top 10 dublin hotels near the book of kells ireland. Avoid the crowds and explore irish history in peace on this book of kells and dublin castle exterior tour. Apr, 2020 the book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. 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. 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 long room in the old library at trinity college, dublin upstairs from the chamber with the book of kells is the old librarys bustlined long room, the aptlynamed main stacks of the original library, a 65meter 2foot built in 171232 the second level was added in 1860 and housing 200,000 books alongside busts of famous writers, philosophers, and others associated. Visiting the book of kells at trinity college library, dublin.
The book of kells is one of the worlds most famous and beautiful manuscripts of the four gospels of the new testament written in latin. Get the most out of your chance to see the precious 9thcentury book of kells by. Trinitys greatest treasures are found within the old library, built by thomas burgh between 1712 and 1732. Take your group on the guided walking tour of trinity college campus with authenticity tours. Discover one of the most important highlights of irish heritage on this early access fully guided tour. No trip to dublin is complete without a visit to the old library of trinity college to admire the book of kells. Book of kells, dublin ticket price timings address. Select an option below to see stepbystep directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in rome2rios travel planner. There were about 50 people in the line and we waited. I am doing some research into ticket options for trinity collegebook of kells on their website. Dublin, the longest singlechamber library in the world and worth a visit on its own. Dublin book of kells and trinity college rick steves. Located in the heart of the city centre in trinity college dublin, the exhibition displays the book of kells, a.
The book of kells in trinity is considered one of irelands greatest national. I love losing myself in their pages on a rainy day. Nov 05, 2015 arguably the most famous artifact on display in dublin is the book of kells also known as the book of columba at trinity college. On this tour your guide will ensure an up close visit of the book of kells and old library. 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. Seeing the book of kells in dublin changes in longitude. You simply cant travel to the capital of ireland without the book of kells being mentioned. 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. Marys procathedral later our guide would explain to us that a pro. You enter a room with large poster size copies of the book of kells and videos explaining more about it. The book of kells is displayed at the end of an exhibit titled turning darkness into light which provides historical context for the manuscript. Once described as the chief treasure of the western world, the exquisite book of kells manuscript is one of irelands greatest artistic contributions to the world. Tour participants will also enjoy a fully guided tour of dublin castles exterior and. Tour participants will also enjoy a fully guided tour of dublin castles exterior and gardens.
Trinity college and the book of kells, dublin city. The old library and the book of kells is a lovely library thats often crowded. Then, tour dublin castle to gain insight into irish history spanning 3 millennia. 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. Throughout the tour i can also make suggestions for places you might like to visit during the rest of your stay. The tour covers as much of dublin as possible in 8 hours and includes the highlights shown below. Its definitely one of irelands national treasures, this magnificent handdrawn manuscript of the four gospels, dating to the year 800, with elaborate calligraphy and colorful illumination drawn by irish. Spend less time reading maps and more time soaking up the scenery on a stress. The cliffs of moher are located in burren on the wild atlantic way, a winding coastal road notoriously difficult to navigate. 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. Things to do near the book of kells and the old library exhibition. Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the cobbled stones of trinity college dublin will bring visitors. Visitors can combine a tour here with a visit to nearby dublin castle. How to see dublins book of kells for free or half 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 of famous masters of science, literature, and art. I had heard it mentioned more times than i can count but was not sure what it was, how big it was and why it was so important. It was created by celtic monks some time around 800 ad. It is the oldest university in ireland, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i, and is famous for its graduates such as. So many books in library it is fascinating that they are still used by students today. Capa dublin study abroad vlogger michela mickaluck takes us along on a class field trip to see the book of kells at trinity college. 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. The library is like a piece of heaven on earth for book lovers. Here, well discuss the history of the university and the old library, looking at how the book of kells arrived.
Trinity college book of kells tour trinity college dublin. Fasttrack access book of kells and dublin castle tour dublin. Its an astonishing work of artbut whether it really warrants all the fuss is. A visit to the book of kells is included and your students will gain valuable insight in the history of the college and the significance of the book of kells a tour not to be missed. The old library book of kells exhibition dublin visitor centre.
Check out the best tours and activities to experience the book of kells. This tour gets you right up to see the 1,200yearold celtic manuscript as well as to the old library of trinity college. Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the cobbled stones of trinity college dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent old library building was constructed and which displays the book of kells. You will explore the 9th book of kells rich ornamentation, multilayered symbolism and meaning. Book of kells tour our walk will start at trinity college, a beacon of culture and learning in dublin and europe. The magnificent book of kells is widely regarded as irelands most valuable national treasure. Up close with dublin on foot a 5 hour tour covering the celts, viking, medieval and english dublin. Lasting 35 minutes, the tour encompasses the four major squares of the college.
A ticket to the book of kells includes access to the trinity college librarys long room, where youll find an original copy of the 1916 proclamation of the irish republic and a medieval harp. Marys was unlikely to be designated as such due to the presence of christ church cathedral and st. Paper being then unknown, this parchment was their only source of writing material. 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. Enjoy ease of access with online fasttrack ticket entry to the book of kells. Avoid the crowds and explore irish history in peace on this 2.
The book of kells, which is on display in trinity college, was written around the year 800 ad and is one of the most beautifully illustrated manuscripts in the world. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin 2020 all. Trinity college and the book of kells, dublin city tour ireland. The book of kells here, is a manuscript of the gospel. The irish book of kells was originally written on about 185 animal skins. Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin.
Authenticity tours, which operates trinity tours, can facilitate any tour requests from members of the public or tour groups. Beat the crowds for earlyaccess to the old library in trinity college to get an upclose look at this celebrated text. During our trip to dublin we spent some time checking out the book of kells and trinity college. It is indeed an interesting place to explore and spend some time at. There were about 50 people in the line and we waited about 20 minutes to get in. Book of kells and old library in dublin attraction frommers. Authenticity tours offers a combined ticket which incorporates discounts on the. Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin castle. Tour dublin personal and private dublin tours with tourdublin.
Dublin to kells 4 ways to travel via bus, taxi, car, and uber. Book of kells things to do in dublin ireland your days out. The library is open all year round except for a week around the christmas and new year period. Its definitely one of irelands national treasures, this magnificent handdrawn manuscript of the four gospels, dating to the year 800, with elaborate calligraphy and colorful illumination drawn by irish monks. Book of kells tour monastic treasures with a historian context. This morning, in a nod to the catholic members on the tour, we attended mass at st. Apr 19, 20 the book of kells, one of great treasures of medieval europe, is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing four gospels of new testament matthew, mark, luke and john together with various prefatory texts and tables. 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.