Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour
By LetzGo City Tours
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About
Avoid waiting in long lines at the Book of Kells—one of the most important highlights of Irish heritage dating back to the ninth century—on this early-access tour. Meet at the easy-to-find Trinity College in central Dublin, and set off listening to the elaborate history from a guide who unlocks secret mysteries of the book. End your tour at Dublin Castle where your guide dives even deeper into Irish culture and heritage.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-99, max of 30 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Beat the usual crowds with early access to the Book of Kells
- Scan the Book of Kells at your own pace, without being rushed
- Hear hidden mysteries and secrets about the book from the guide
- Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy sightseeing schedule
- Tour is led by an expert english speaking local guide
- Entry to the College Treasury to view the 9th Century Book of Kells
- Visit to the 16th Century Trinity College campus
- Exterior tour of the13th Century Dublin Castle
- Book of Kells 360 & Long Room reimagined Experience & Gaia - The illuminated sculpture of Earth
- Entry/Admission - The Book of Kells & Old Library
- Entry/Admission - Trinity College Dublin
- Entry/Admission - Dublin Castle
- Entry/Admission - Molly Malone Statue
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
What's not included- Interior visit to Dublin Castle
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off / Transportation / Food and Drink / Gratitude
- Your tour of the Book of Kells, Trinity College’s library, and Dublin Castle meets in the front of Trinity College in central Dublin. First your guide takes you through the college’s library, exploring the area known as the Long Room that's lined with books and statue busts of famous masters of science, literature, and art. Afterward, it’s on to the Book of Kells exhibit, where you beat the crowds and head in right away. Hear a detailed rundown of the book and why it’s so important to Irish culture. Once you reach the actual book, take as long as you’d like to look over its pages. Your last stop for this tour is Dublin Castle. Walk around the grounds and the gardens as you learn more about Emerald Isle culture. Your tour ends at the Castle, close to public transport and other fun areas to explore.
- Start:
- Edmund Burke Statue, Trinity College Dublin, College St, Dublin, 2, IrelandMeeting Time: 15 minutes before the scheduled start time Meeting Place: Edmund Burke Statue, Trinity College, Dublin 2, D02 E620 Meeting Point: Meet your guide at the Main Front Entrance of Trinity College, facing on to College Green, between the big wooden doors, and iron railings.
End:- Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, Ireland
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8954P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
- Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
- Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
- Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
- Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8954P3
From
$80.17
per adult
Select date and travelers
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Itinerary
- Trinity College Dublin, College St, Dublin, 2, IrelandMeeting Time: 15 minutes before the scheduled start time Meeting Place: Edmund Burke Statue, Trinity College, Dublin 2, D02 E620 Meeting Point: Meet your guide at the Main Front Entrance of Trinity College, facing on to College Green, between the big wooden doors, and iron railings.
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- Dame St, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, Ireland
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- V9443RYmikej0 contributionsGreat tour and history of how important these two companies have been to Dublin and Ireland.Alan “the man in the yellow hat” was awesome. One of the best tours I’ve had. He was very accommodating, polite and funny. He made each tour a great experience and provided information that was not provided by Jameson and Guinness. He showed concern for our safety and wanted to make sure everyone could hear him.Written October 13, 2024
- brittanycE5748SD0 contributions10/10 would highly recommendOur tour guide was amazing. She took the time to share history about Dublin as we walked through the town from Jameson to Guinness. I highly recommend taking this tour.Written October 11, 2024
- carlamE2754TX0 contributionsSo much fun, both experiences we unique and learned so much.Great tour guides, story telling and friendly. Nils and Sean did a great job! Highly recommend putting this tour on your stay.Written October 11, 2024
- L9057NUnickm0 contributionsWilly Wonka for Beer LoversSean is the King of Dublin City, amazing guide from the area. Seriously, this is a must do if you visit Dublin. The Jameson tour is before the Guinness tour for good reason, both are awesome.Written October 10, 2024
- Storybookofeli0 contributionsHighlight of the trip!Awesome integration of multiple tastings and some local history mixed in. Sean makes an awesome guide, regardless of what he’s covering.Written October 10, 2024
- erinsC8906RF0 contributionsGuided tourNeil McCourt did an excellent job at keeping a large group together while giving history and humor through 2 locations and a pit stop of the oldest pub in Ireland.Written October 8, 2024
- HammanLanding0 contributionsValue added failThis was not value added; with our experience, we should have done the Jameson tour and the Guinness tour on our own. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable! Other than providing some history and storytelling. The tour guy - basically escorted us from venue to venue. And on a 4 hour tour - 45 minutes of it was walking through Dublin….we expected more at this price. Tour Guide was fine.Written October 8, 2024
- jamisons740 contributionsKudos to SeanSean was great! Tour was fun and engaging the entire time. Perfect way to spend an afternoon in Dublin. Would recommend to anymore!Written October 7, 2024
- F9669GGbrittanyb0 contributionsOkay tourSo we did Guinness self tour group of 5, it was okay. Nothing like all the hype people say it is at all. There is a lot there, can't go inside at all without buying a ticket, even if you just want to go to the shop. Honestly recommend the Jamison tour way better than Guinness, so much more fun and interesting.Written October 4, 2024
- Happiness325086150380 contributionsCheers to DublinThe Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse tours were fantastic Engaging guides, rich history, and delicious tastings made for an unforgettable Dublin experience. Highly recommendWritten October 4, 2024
- A5147ZHkellyp0 contributionsDon't Miss This Tour If You're a Jameson or Guinness FanAlan was a great guide, and was very engaged with his tour members. The Jameson tour was very interesting and the tastings made it a lot of fun while being educational. The Jameson representative was knowledgeable and entertaining. So was the Guinness tour. That one was much more impressive and covered all stages of the brewing process. We learned how to better enjoy this great product. Our only feedback is that the amount of walking between the two locations is not very feasible for everyone and a few members of our entourage were pretty wiped out by it. My wife and I could have done without the stop at the Brazen Head, but I'm sure many enjoy it.Written October 3, 2024
- carebear19730 contributionsDublin adventureDermot was a gracious and knowledgeable guide. He didn't make us feel bad when we were a few minutes late. He was personable and continually asked if anyone in the group wanted more information or had any questions. No waiting in lines for entry. I would recommend to clients (I am a travel consultant)Written October 2, 2024
- patcesario0 contributionsYou don’t need thisFor me, it wasn't worth it. It's better to buy the tickets separately and visit the attractions on your own. Although the guide was friendly, they only gave explanations before the first tour. On the way to the second tour, they dropped us off at a pub without asking our preferences and told us to meet at the entrance of the second attraction at a pre-arranged time. If that's the case, there's no need to pay for a tour.Written October 1, 2024
- Global594921005280 contributionsJameson TourVery professional. Enjoyed the experience...and the tasting! Would recommend it to anyone traveling to Dublin. Slainte 🍀Written October 1, 2024
- georgecL2678PU0 contributionsGreat experienceThe tour guide was very professional and very informed about Everything we enjoyed ourselves and we would absolutely recommend the tour to anybody interested in the history of Jamison and GuinnessWritten October 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,247 reviews
Excellent
995
Very good
125
Average
55
Poor
35
Terrible
37
Stephanie K.
Campbell, CA24 contributions
Don’t waste your time or money. The description makes it sound like you need a tour to get through a long line to see the Book of Kells, not true. Just get a ticket online and go and see the Book of Kells and the Library on your own, but check that they are still available, they are going to be taking all the books down to do renovations for three years apparently. But once you have a reserved time, you can go in right away. The guide isn’t allowed to talk inside, and so he had to speak
quietly and give details before we went in and we couldn’t even hear him due to the large crowds around us. We ended up leaving the tour and going in ourselves. What a waste of money.
quietly and give details before we went in and we couldn’t even hear him due to the large crowds around us. We ended up leaving the tour and going in ourselves. What a waste of money.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, it appears you checked in with another tour operator. We re sorry you didn't get to do our tour.
All the Best
Written November 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TrailBlazer685631
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
I was disappointed with this tour. The cost was quite significant and the tour consisted of the guide advising they had pre booked our entry time into the Book of Kells, but could guide us through as they were not allowed. The guide would meet us in an hour to continue the tour. Then, we were to go to Dublin Castle, but not ‘go in’. Oh no, is was to look at it from outside. So effectively paid over $100au per person to walk a couple of streets, enter Trinity College, and look at a Castle and walled garden. Guide kept starting that they couldn’t guide in these areas as they weren’t allowed. Why promote a tour you can’t undertake. Buyer beware of this tour.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It appears that you were on a different tour. It is really important to double-check that you are presenting at the correct meting point for our award-winning tour.
Best Regards,
Written June 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mindy M
2 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
We were unable to locate our guide because the designated meeting place was a closed entrance to Trinity College. We looked for an hour and a half, and all the security guards were looking for the guide as well. We called the contact telephone number twice, left 2 messages, but still no call back 2 days later. Have emailed them and requested a refund but have not been able to locate any humans. Save your money or go with a reputable company who will respond to issues and problems that arise.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir145061
1 contribution
Sep 2022
Our guide was knowledgeable and pleasant, which is why there is more than 1 star. But this was NOT a fast-pass and we did NOT avoid the crowds. We were the crowd. There were over 20 of us, and we shared the space with all of the other people at that time slot in the room with all of the details before you get to the actual book. What's worse, we didn't get the option to take the audio guide tour around the informative displays, just hit a few highlights courtesy of our guide.
I did enjoy the walk around town over from Trinity to Dublin Castle, but felt cheated out of the book part of the tour.
Our guide was hard to hear, and since there were so many of us, I missed half of what she said.
I did enjoy the walk around town over from Trinity to Dublin Castle, but felt cheated out of the book part of the tour.
Our guide was hard to hear, and since there were so many of us, I missed half of what she said.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello but unfortunately this review is for a different tour company., We are sorry you did not tour with us.
Best Regards,
Written September 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gojencarr
Watsonville, CA545 contributions
We were excited about seeing the Trinity Library and Book of Kells and we booked a tour as we wanted someone to tell us more about it before and during our visit. However, our guide was really just the ticket handler, he gave us a little intro about the book before we went inside, but it was very light in content and we could have easily read what he shared with us. Also, odd that they have you meet your guide at the main gate but then you have to walk to another gate to go in to the tour. And it was annoying that the guide made everyone wait for people who left the group to find a restroom, people should use the restroom before showing up for the tour.
He brought us to the door and into the room with exhibits and then we were on our own. We saw another group with a tour guide getting insight on the library, but it was in French or else we would have hovered nearby to hear what she had to say.
We did not go to the Castle with the guide as we had already visited it during another walking tour a few days before.
We recommend you book a tour directly with the college (it looked like they have student lead tours available), or with a guide that will stay with you and give you a real tour.
He brought us to the door and into the room with exhibits and then we were on our own. We saw another group with a tour guide getting insight on the library, but it was in French or else we would have hovered nearby to hear what she had to say.
We did not go to the Castle with the guide as we had already visited it during another walking tour a few days before.
We recommend you book a tour directly with the college (it looked like they have student lead tours available), or with a guide that will stay with you and give you a real tour.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for contacting us however it appears you were on a different tour. Our award-winning tour is fully guided throughout and offers the most comprehensive insightful and curated experience available for two of Dublin's top historical icons.
It's a pity you missed our tour.
Best Regards,
Written July 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
blueyes80304
Boulder, CO13 contributions
May 2023
We didn't feel this tour was worth it. The guide was friendly and well-informed and at least attempted to present the historical details in an entertaining way. But we felt a bit hurried through the Kells exhibit as well as the library, and of course we didn't know that they are taking all the books OUT of the library to install a sprinkler system. So, not so dramatic to see the library. The rest of the tour was just walking around the city blocks with a stop at Molly Malone (do we really need to be told why her breasts are so shiny?), an antique gallery, and then pointing at Dublin castle. Then we ended up parking on a stone wall for 20 minutes while the guide recited the whole history of Ireland. That's a lecture, not a tour. We couldn't wait to be back on our own, we would have done just as well.
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, it appears that you were not on our tour. We are sorry that you missed our award-winning tour.
Best Regards,
Written June 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pschreiner
Lafayette, CA18 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We had a wonderful guide for the Book of Kells visit to Trinity College yesterday. Neal McCourt, with letszgo city tours was chock full of historical fact and figures and wove all of them through interesting stories, legends and tall tales. We loved it!
The Long Room of the Old Library is a stunning space, the shopping districts charming and Dublin Castle a fitting end to the tour. I will recommend staying longer than ten minutes in the antechamber to the Book of Kells. It is full of gorgeous reproductions of the illuminated pages and curated exposition about the book.
The Long Room of the Old Library is a stunning space, the shopping districts charming and Dublin Castle a fitting end to the tour. I will recommend staying longer than ten minutes in the antechamber to the Book of Kells. It is full of gorgeous reproductions of the illuminated pages and curated exposition about the book.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your 5-star review of our award-winning must-see Book of Kells and Dublin Castle tour.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed both the extraordinary content and of curse our local expert guide, Neil. Neil is a master storyteller and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and passion to our tour guests.
We look forward to seeing you again on one of our other fully guided tours throughout Europe.
Best Regards from All the Team
Written July 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
capewell893
Salisbury, UK27 contributions
Jan 2020
If visiting Dublin I would highly recommend doing this half day tour. Our tour guide Brian was superb, his knowledge of the city’s sights and history was fascinating. He was so enthusiastic and entertaining. The book of Kells and library are a must see and we walked through trinity college and around the points of interest in the city. He also pointed out some good places to go for lunch and other places to visit whilst we were there. He was happy to answer any questions and I felt he tailored the tour to suit our interests. Outstanding
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell B
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Good tour to the grounds of Dublin Castle. This tour does not include entry into the castle but the guide provided a good overview of the castle and it's history. Being on the city streets it was a little difficult at times to hear the guide as he did not have an audio system.
We then got immediate entry into the Book of Kells at Trinity College. A great piece of history that is definitely worth visiting.
We then got immediate entry into the Book of Kells at Trinity College. A great piece of history that is definitely worth visiting.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard M
BC, Canada333 contributions
Jul 2022
I would recommend booking this tour for the extra information and tips for the Book of Kells. I would also recommend booking the first tour in the morning - yes it might be an early start for one day on your holiday, but beating the crowds is priceless. The walking tour to Dublin Castle afterwards is very informative and helped us shape the rest of our day to enjoy Dublin.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Richard, it's great to hear that you have enjoyed the tour so much and that your local expert guide showed you the highlights of the Book of Kells as well as seeing Europe's largest vaulted library.
We look forward to seeing you again on tour.
Best Regards,
Written August 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I use a "rollator" (a walker with wheels) and can walk for long distances. Could I take this tour, including the Book of Kells?
Written June 2, 2022
I believe so, especially the Library which houses the Book of Kells. The walk to the Castle is not long, maybe a half mile, and you go at a liesurely pace and stop a few times.
Written June 4, 2022
Bonjour j aimerai dire la visiter en Français est ce possible ? Mzrci
Written November 21, 2021
Are you open today, Sunday the 23rd?
Written February 23, 2020
I recall being there a couple of ours. It was very crowded and we were glad that we had a guide to get us to the right spot.
Written January 20, 2020
Do you have to go to the Molly Malone statue or can you stay on the castle grounds and go back to the library?
Written October 12, 2019
If you are in Dublin it is easy to tour on your own using the hop on hop off bus either Green or Red, both stop right at the entrance to Trinity College and the drivers give you a great guided trip of the city. To go to the book of Kells pay 15 Euro and get a tour of Trinity College and the entry to the Kells is free. You can by day passes on the buses for the number of days you will use them and you will get a pass to the Little Museum which should not be missed.
Written October 13, 2019
Are there any other available times after 9:15am on Nov 7th?
Written September 15, 2019
I am not sure. You will need to check with the tour company.
Written September 16, 2019
Our idea is to go On saturday.
We are coming from K Club
Where do you reccomend to Park our car? In order to Start your tour?
Written September 5, 2019
If we have the 12:15 tour booked, would we be able to do the 2:30 guided tour inside of Dublin Caste? Or is that cutting it too close?
Written August 20, 2019
I think it's possible. We did the same thing, though we went 1st thing in the morning (early entry). It might be tighter once the day is going.
Written August 21, 2019
What time does the tour start during the week? We would be going on a Thursday. Where do you meet? Thanks
Written August 3, 2019
Our tour started at 8 am and you meet at the front of Trinity College
Written August 4, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
