How to Visit the Book of Kells
Read our travel guide on the Book of Kells and Trinity College in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go.
The 1200-year-old Book of Kells is one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures.
It's currently housed at Trinity College, in the Dublin City Center, attracting visitors from all over the world.
This beautiful manuscript has immense heritage and historical value, so it won't come as a surprise to often find it on the top of the best things to do in Dublin lists.
The Book of Kells is not the only reason to visit this museum, though.
With 200.000 books, the Old Library that awaits you at the end of the tour is arguably even more impressive.
Simply put, the Book of Kells and the Old Library at Trinity College are among the top things to do in Ireland.
How to See the Book of Kells
Visiting Trinity College and the Book of Kells is very easy, but there are definitely a few important things to know before you go.
That's why we created this guide to help you better plan your visit to the Book of Kells.
Crowds
Let's preface this with a short story about our trip.
Before we arrived in Dublin, we had been road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way for a few weeks.
Thanks to places such as Sheep's Head Peninsula, Malin Head, and Skellig Ring, our Ireland road trip was a completely magical experience.
However, it was not just Ireland's landscape's raw beauty that often left us speechless.
Many of the areas were completely deserted, even popular places like Dunmore Head or Slieve League.
It just added to the overall experience. So it was really strange to be back in 'civilization'.
And how is that little story connected to Trinity College and the Book of Kells?
Well, this was the first place we visited in Dublin, not including the walk from the hotel. And it was packed to the brim.
The sheer amount of people waiting, walking, or sitting around the university complex was something we hadn't seen in weeks.
On top of that, we were not ready that the museum would be even more crowded, but more about it later.
Mind you. We are not complaining. This is still one of Ireland's top tourist attractions, and it's located within the capital city.
Obviously, there will be other people around. It's just one of those reminders that you can't expect to have this place for yourself.
Booking the Tickets in Advance
It's recommended to book your Book of Kells tickets in advance, at least if you want to maximize your time while there.
In the case of Bru na Boinne, we realized our mistake a few days prior to the visit.
With the Book of Kells, we discovered this fact as soon as we arrived at the museum's front door.
There were loads of people waiting in line, and we could also spot the museum banners suggesting making the reservation online.
Luckily, the whole reservation process was very easy and quick.
The next available timeslot was in 30 minutes. We didn't mind, as we wanted to explore Trinity College grounds either way.
In general, it's usually enough to book your tickets a few days before you go.
Book of Kells Museum
After walking around the college grounds for half an hour, we returned to the museum entrance.
Here, we queued with other visitors to enter the building and waited for our tickets to be scanned by staff.
Once inside, the first impression was quite overwhelming. Unfortunately, not in a good way.
The museum is well laid out and full of interesting information on the Book of Kells or the Book of Dimna, but it's very small.
Despite the timeslots and timed entry, the museum felt really crowded. It took us a few minutes to adjust to being out in the middle of a sea of tourists.
If you prefer quiet museums without people, you're better off visiting places like the National Museum of Ireland.
We're still talking about the crowds because it's really important to set your mindset right to enjoy the museum part.
Otherwise, you will find here some excellent information on the Book of Kells, like who made it, examples of the alphabet, decorated words, etc.
The newly acquired knowledge may come in handy in the next section.
If you have headphones, you can download a free Book of Kells Audio Tour included in your ticket.
By the way, in case you're heading to Dublin Airport afterward, etc., there are no lockers for suitcases or backpacks, and only small bags are allowed.
Book of Kells
Without any doubt, the ancient Book of Kells is the main highlight of the museum and the main reason why people go there.
This 9th-century, lavishly decorated manuscript features a handwritten copy of the four gospels of the New Testament.
The Book of Kells is filled with intricate illustrations and ornate Latin text and was named after an Irish town in County Meath.
However, its origin is associated with St. Colum Cille (known as Saint Columba), who founded a monastery on Iona Island in the Inner Hebrides near Scotland's western coast in 563 CE.
The Viking raids started at the end of the 9th century, and many monks living on the island were killed during the following years.
The monks relocated to Ireland's mainland and brought the book with them.
During the invasion of Oliver Cromwell, the Book of Kells was sent to Dublin to prevent any damage.
In 1661, Bishop Henry Jones donated the Book of Kells to Trinity College, where it's still on display.
There are usually two of the four volumes on display, and the pages are turned after some time.
You can admire only a couple of pages from the original manuscript, the text, and the vibrant images.
Despite being so old, the book is well-preserved, and only a few pages are missing.
Book of Kells is not a reading book but rather a beautiful piece of art and is believed to be used as an altar decoration during special events.
Even though the ancient book is fascinating, you have only a short amount of time to enjoy this part of the museum.
Obviously, photos are not allowed in the Book of Kells's dark room, though you can take pictures in the museum and Old Library.
If you want to see more, the entire manuscript was digitalized and can be found online.
Old Library
We have a feeling that the Old Library will be the highlight of your trip to the Book of Kells museum and not the manuscript itself.
Known as the Long Room, this stunning library is home to 200.000 books and busts of famous scholars.
Among the most interesting items that can be found within the library is another version of Book of Kells (it's the main photo of this blog post), an original copy of the Proclamation (a seminal text in Irish history), or Brian Boru Harp (Ireland's oldest surviving harp).
From a tourist standpoint, it is absolutely breathtaking. It looks like an old library out of a movie, postcard, or commercial.
Many visitors will think of Harry Potter's Hogwarts library when they see it for the first time, though no scene was filmed there, and there is no connection other than the antique look.
Either way, the library itself is worth the visit.
In principle, the Old Library is fairly large, but with so many people around, it felt much smaller and really cramped.
Again, if you're an avid reader and history lover, you won't probably notice. The library at the Long Room is like stepping into a dream.
08/2023 Update: Keep in mind that there are currently no books on the shelves in the Long Room as part of a historic conservation project.
Trinity Trails
If you want to learn more about Trinity College itself, you can take a guided or self-guided Trinity Trails tour around the university campus.
The walking tour will allow you to learn about student life, famous past students, historic buildings, and hidden corners.
It's one of the best ways to soak in the spirit and history of the oldest university in Ireland.
You can book a bundle that includes this walking tour with the Book of Kells experience. In this case, it's also recommended to book in advance.
Otherwise, exploring the Trinity College complex on your own is among the best free things to do in Dublin.
Opening Hours
The Book of Kells and Old Library is open year-round. It stays open all days of the week, though it has seasonal opening times.
From April to September, the Book of Kells's opening hours are 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM from Monday to Saturday and 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Sundays.
From October to March, the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday and 12 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note opening times may change seasonally, so check before you visit.
Entrance Fee
The entry fee to Book of Kells and Old Library at Trinity College is €18.50 per adult.
Honestly, this is a fairly expensive experience for 30 minutes. Especially when compared to similarly priced Blarney Castle or Bunratty Castle, where you can easily spend the whole day.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, you need to consider whether admission to Book of Kells is worth it or not.
As you also get access to the museum and beautiful library, we still believe it's worth it.
You can reserve Book of Kells tickets via the official website.
How Much Time Do I Need
The self-guided tour at Book of Kells and Old Library requires about 30-45 minutes of your time. It's definitely not the MET in New York.
On the other hand, the whole experience is very straightforward and gets to the point quickly.
The official website mentions that the entry is timed, and you have only 30 minutes for the whole experience.
No one checked during our visit, so it's probably just a recommendation.
When to Go
You can see the Book of Kells and the Old Library at any time of the year. Just remember that each season has its pros and cons.
It's hard to avoid crowds when visiting Trinity College and the Book of Kells in the peak season.
Even in May, the whole area was crowded, though that's a common thing about European museums.
If you want to see the Old Library without people, you will need to book the first morning timeslot and don't waste too much time at the first two sections.
We don't need to mention that this is a far from ideal way to explore this museum.
Summer is often considered the best time to visit Ireland, though spring and fall are usually nice as well.
Wintertime brings cold and short days to Ireland, and the weather can be quite miserable on certain days.
However, it's a perfect time to visit museums and even explore cities, especially if you want to avoid summer crowds.
What to Pack
If you decide to walk to Trinity College from your hotel, there are only a few items you need.
As usual, be sure to wear clothing according to the temperature forecasted for that day. Make sure you have comfortable clothing and footwear.
Don't forget to bring your trusty rain jacket with you, or at least keep a travel umbrella in your daypack.
The weather in Ireland is often unpredictable, so it's one of the most essential items on every Ireland packing list.
If you have any large luggage, leave it in your hotel room.
How to Get There
Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin, and it's easy to get there on foot, by bus, bike, or tram.
On Foot
If you're staying in the city center, getting there on foot is really easy.
In fact, walking is the best way to experience everything that Dublin has to offer. And it's our favorite way to get around Dublin.
Alternatively, you can use Dublin Bikes, the city's bike-sharing scheme.
Tours
In case you're interested in visiting the Book of Kells museum with a local guide, you can reserve this popular Book of Kells Ticket and Dublin Castle Tour.
Hands down, it's one of the best Dublin Tours.
Public Transport
You can also get there by public transport.
The university is only five minutes from Pearse Station if you use DART. By LUAS, you can get off the tram at St. Stephen's Green (Green Line) or Abbey Street (Red Line).
Trinity College is also serviced by several bus routes.
Car
We don't recommend getting to Trinity College by car. While we believe renting a car in Ireland is a great idea, this is not the case.
For starters, there is no parking at Trinity College for visitors.
So you would need to leave your vehicle at nearby Q-Park Setanta (or any other parking lot). Secondly, the traffic in Dublin's city center is usually pretty bad.
If you still want to get to Trinity College by car, read our guide on driving in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Where to Stay
There are several great hotels within walking distance from Trinity College for all budgets.
This old university is located in the city center, and you will be spoilt for choice.
Be prepared that hotels in the Dublin area are expensive, and it is not easy to find a cheap hotel room in the city center unless you travel in the off-season.
Make sure to book early to save some money on accommodation.
Here are our picks on the best hotels near Trinity College.
Budget | Jacobs Inn Hostel - Located opposite Connoly Station, this affordable hostel is a great choice for budget-minded travelers. It has modern private rooms and dormitories with pods, lockers in the rooms, clean facilities, and friendly staff. Plus, it is only a 10-minute walk from Trinity College.
Mid-range | Wren Urban Nest - Located only 300 meters from Trinity College, this hotel boasts modern rooms, an amazing breakfast, a beautiful design, a boutique feel, and a convenient location.
Luxury | The Fitzwilliam Hotel - This stylish hotel is a popular choice among travelers seeking luxurious accommodation. It's located only 600 meters from the university and has everything you need for a truly exceptional stay.
Staying Safe
The museum at Trinity College and the Book of Kells is a generally very safe place to visit.
However, the museum quickly swells to maximum capacity, especially in the peak season.
Pickpockets often target crowded areas and busy tourist spots such as public transport and even museums, as they can easily blend in.
As usual, don't put anything in the back pocket, and minimize your valuables. Always be aware of where your belongings are.
Regardless of whether you wait in line or explore the museum, stay extra alert here.
In general, Dublin is a safe place to visit, and Trinity College is no exception.
Still, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is the Book of Kells Worth Seeing?
Thanks to its historical importance and value, the Book of Kells is worth seeing, even despite the steep ticket price.
The museum is informative and easy to navigate, and you get a chance also to visit the Old Library, home to thousands of books.
Obviously, seeing the Book of Kells with your own eyes is definitely a fascinating experience.
If you love museums, history, or old books, Book of Kells at Trinity College is a great addition to every Ireland itinerary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
