I will get personally offended if you visit Ireland and don’t add  Book of Kells in your itinerary. As a former student of Dublin City University , I know the immense pleasure one can get from exploring this iconic manuscript.

The fun thing is, people don’t visit  The Book of Kells just to see the Book of Kells, it is to get the whole experience and the book is only 15% of it. 

This magnificent book is 1200 years old and is one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. So if you are planning to visit the Book of Kells, let me be your guide to ensure the perfect experience. 

Why is the Book of Kells famous?

But you will be surprised to know that its origin is from Scotland! The Book of Kells is written in Latin text and was named after an Irish town in County Meath.

It is associated with St. Colum Cille, who founded a monastery on Iona Island in the Inner Hebrides near Scotland’s western coast in 563 CE.

It came to Ireland during the Viking raids. It started at the end of the 9th century, when many monks living on the island were killed.

When the monks migrated to Ireland mainland they brought the book with them.

During the invasion of Oliver Cromwell, the Book of Kells was sent to Dublin to prevent any damage.

Later on in 1661, Bishop Henry Jones donated the Book of Kells to Trinity College, where it’s still on display.

Despite being so old, the book is well-preserved, and only a few pages are missing.

The interesting fact is, the Book of Kells is not a reading book but rather a beautiful piece of art. 

And the sad part is, even though the ancient book is fascinating, you have a very short amount of time to enjoy this part of the museum.

Also you can’t take photos in the Book of Kells’s dark room, taking pictures in the museum and Old Library is permitted.

The Book of Kells is not the only reason to visit this museum though. If you are a book lover, then The Old Library can also give you goosebumps! The architectural design will give you Hogwarts library vibe for sure! This is also known as “Long Room” which has 200,000 books!  

Reading Conditions:

In this case, you don’t need to worry. Because the Book of Kells is open year-round. You can visit this place at any time of the year. But if you want to avoid the crowds, then don’t pick peak season! Also, the first morning time slot is a good option.  

Normally, the opening hours may vary a little like 

October-March: 9:00 AM to 5 PM (Sunday: 12 PM – 4:45 PM) 

April-September: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5 PM)  

Entrance Fee:

The entrance fee to The Book of Kells and the Old Library is a little expensive. If you are an adult, then you have to pay €18.50. Your ticket includes 

• The Book of Kells and the Old Library
• The long Room
• Secret Life of the Collections
• Book of Kells 360
• Long Room reimagined

 To reserve your ticket, visit their website.   

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How to Visit Book of Kells

Book of Kells is inside the old library of Trinity College  Dublin which is in the heart of Dublin city. As it is in the middle of Dublin – it is connected to virtually everything you can imagine. 

Tram,Bus, Train, Dart & Taxi – everything can access The Book of Kells. It is the easiest thing to find. 

How to Enjoy the Book of Kells

Coming to Trinity College and the Book of Kells is super easy. But knowing a few things can make your journey easier! 

Crowds: You may get frightened seeing the sheer amount of tourist people in the university complex along with the museum. You may find yourself in the sea of tourists! But as this is Ireland’s top tourist spot and located within the capital city, you have to accept the crowd.  

Ticket Booking:  It’s better to book your ticket a few days before your visit. By this, you can save some of your time! If you can’t manage it then still no worry! On the spot, you can make the whole reservation and get your available time slot. Utilize your waiting time through exploring the Trinity College ground.  

Bring your Headphone: The visit can get more exciting if you have a headphone. All you need to do is download a free Book of Kells Audio Tour. That will be included in your ticket. 

No heavy bag! : Unfortunately, there are no lockers for suitcases of backpacks here. So mind this suggestion – you can bring only small bags. They are allowed.  

 Time: You don’t need to plan for the whole day for this tour. The Book of Kells will take only 40-45 minutes to complete. 

Packing: As you know, the weather of Ireland is totally unpredictable.Try to bring a rain jacket with you. So you need to pack your bag accordingly. 

Parking: Try not to come to Trinity with a car. Because unfortunately, there is no parking space for the visitors in Trinity College. So you have to put your car near Q-Park Setanta. Also to avoid the traffic, car isn’t a good option for you. 

Remembrancer

You can browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs. 

These mementos will commemorate your visit to the Book of Kells! There are replica manuscripts and exquisite jewelry inspired by Celtic motifs.

Visiting the Book of Kells is a journey through time, art, and culture. It offers a profound glimpse into Ireland’s rich heritage. By planning your visit thoughtfully and immersing yourself fully in the experience, you can create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, embark on this literary pilgrimage and let the illuminated pages of the Book of Kells ignite your imagination and captivate your soul.