The Old Library of Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed, imposes limits on the number of visitors who can enter at one time, which can cause a queue. Be sure to get there early on busy days!
The Book of Kells is perhaps the finest historical artefact anywhere in Ireland. Created in roughly the year 800 by a tireless group of monks, it consists of 340 sheets of the highest quality vellum (prepared calfskin) on which are transcribed the four gospels, together with subsidiary texts and numerous elaborate illustrations.
The Emigration to Ireland
The origins of the book have been subject to considerable debate over the years, and there are at least five competing theories regarding its creation. Probably work on it started in a monastery on the small Scottish island of Iona. The issue then becomes confusing because the location was plundered by Vikings in 806, leaving dozens dead, after which the resident monks left for Kells in Ireland. How much of the text was finished by the time they moved is impossible to determine. Either way, it remained in Kells Abbey for centuries, miraculously escaping the repeated Viking raids on the Abbey, and eventually found its way to the Old Library of Trinity College, Dublin, where it has been on display since the mid-19th century.
Unprecedented Complexity
Looking at the illuminated manuscript today, you cannot help but feel a sense of awe at the intricacy and density of the illustrations and text. The calligraphy is extremely impressive, in the “insular majuscule” style, and appears to have been written by three different scribes. There are ten full-page images of then-unprecedented complexity, including one of the Temptation of Christ and another of the Arrest of Jesus. They all employ a far wider range of colours than was typical at the time, and the Book of Kells’ imagery is particularly noted for its combination of minute detail and bolder, larger-scale compositions. For anyone interested in history, this is not to be missed.
Discover the culture and vibrancy of Ireland between the rolling landscapes and foggy skyline and see the best of Dublin and its historical highlights on this half-day tour with your knowledgeable tour guide and Dubliner.
On your private tour, you will:
Dublin has a rich 2,000-year-old history, spanning from the Celts to the modern-day; this curated walking tour will bring that history alive. On your tour, you will explore the castle’s 800-year history. Near old Christ Church Cathedral, you will learn about the area's history as a Viking settlement, and view the site of the world’s first performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Continue your turn about the city with a dive into some of Dublin's most famous architectural buildings, including the Neoclassical 18th-century former House of Parliament and the Georgian-style City Hall. You will also visit the famous Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural and entertainment quarter and one of the liveliest nightlife areas that preserve its medieval street pattern, with many narrow, cobbled streets.
Visit the famed O’Connell Street, where you will see The Spire, Daniel O'Connell and James Joyce statues and the General Post Office. This is the very spot where the crowds gathered for the Declaration of Irish Independence and which became the inspiration for poetry and literature of the era. You will hear all about the many writers and rebels from your knowledgeable local guide.
Stepping on the Ha’penny Bridge, a beautiful pedestrian bridge that once charged the eponymous half penny to cross, we will cross the River Liffey to learn all about the famed Trinity College, Ireland’s first and most acclaimed university.
You will hear about the college’s numerous treasures and tales of renowned past students, including Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker as well as visit its campus and see the famous Book of Kells, the most famous of the medieval illuminated manuscripts.
Your tour will leave you not only full of the local history of the capital city but also with a great foundation to explore the city at your leisure.
Please note: external guides are not allowed in Trinity College so you will be parting ways with your guide at the entrance where you will join a small guided tour the visit to the Trinity College Campus, Old Library and the Book of Kells.
All books from the Long Room have been removed as part of the historic Old Library Redevelopment Project, except the first four bays as you enter the space. In the meantime your visitor experience will include a digital journey through the Old Library’s precious collections.
Explore the beautiful and historic city of Dublin, Ireland’s iconic capital situated on the sea and surrounded by mountains famous for its heritage, architecture and friendly atmosphere.
On your private full-day tour, you will:
Enjoy a full-day tour of Dublin, Ireland’s beautiful capital city, famous for its warm and friendly welcome, situated on a beautiful bay at the edge of the River Liffey and surrounded by spectacular mountainous countryside.
Dublin’s picturesque cobbled streets are famed for their ‘craic’ (good fun) and are filled with vibrant art, markets, cafes and pubs, and historic buildings. Many famous historical figures have made Dublin their home, from beloved literary figures like W.B.Yeats, Oscar Wilde, (both of whom lived at Merrion Square,) Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and James Joyce, to political and military figures like Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington.
Dublin has a varied concoction of history – dating back over 1000 years. You’ll learn about the Viking and Norman influences and you see the medieval churches and 13th Century Dublin Castle. You’ll learn about the Christian takeover of Celtic traditions and spirituality. And hear all about the long struggle for Irish independence from the British as you stand outside the spectacular parliament buildings.
Enjoy strolling along the cobbled Temple Bar neighbourhood – with its lively atmosphere of live music and buskers – and stop inside the bar famous for serving over 450 types of whiskey!
A real highlight of your tour of Dublin is to visit Trinity College – Ireland’s historic elite university and considered equivalent to Oxford and Cambridge in England – and its great library, home of the Book of Kells – and exquisite set of Gospels dating to circa 800 C.E.
Your guide will also show you inside two of Dublin’s museums: the National Museum of Archaeology to see the famous Bog Man, a well-preserved Iron Age bog body found in June 2003, and the National Gallery to see Caravaggio’s painting The Taking of Christ.
You’ll take a taxi to the Guinness Storehouse where your guide will leave you to enjoy the self-guided tour of this iconic brewery, where you’ll learn all about Ireland’s most famous beer – and enjoy views over the city as you enjoy a well-earned pint of it at the end of this fascinating day!
Please note: external guides are not allowed to guide in Trinity College so you will join a shared guided tour at Trinity College Campus, Old Library and the Book of Kells.
All books from the Long Room have been removed as part of the historic Old Library Redevelopment Project, except the first four bays as you enter the space. In the meantime your visitor experience will include a digital journey through the Old Library’s precious collections.
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