Skip-the-Line Dublin: Book of Kells & Castle VIP Tour
Enjoy ease of access with online fast-track ticket entry to the Book of Kells. Discover one of the most important highlights of Irish heritage on this early access fully guided tour. You will explore the 9th Book of Kells' rich ornamentation, multi-layered symbolism and meaning. It is known for its world-renowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to the 800 AD. This timed access tour offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the exhibition experience without the hustle and bustle of large crowds. Next, continue on this fascinating walking tour to explore the 13th century Dublin Castle and Gardens along medieval streets located within the original city walls of Dublin. Enjoy the history of Ireland and Dublin dramatized in extraordinary stories narrated by expert english speaking local guides. From Autumn/Fall 2023 the Library at Trinity College will be closed for renovations. The 9th century Book of Kells will still be on display.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
sophiakU3050BK, 3/12/2026 3:11:30 PM
I had an amazing experience with Dermont and it was a great tour! The length was a good one and we were able to see lots of places besides the bad weather. He made my experience in Dublin great!
Joyce_L, 3/10/2026 12:09:28 PM
We have lived in Ireland for three years and have brought many friends to this tour. Malene was far the best! Very friendly. Very knowledgeable.
David_S, 3/9/2026 10:26:16 AM
Fergus was a great tour guide! He’s very knowledgeable, and knew a lot of the employees at locations where we went, so they could add information to the tour. He went above and beyond, and even helped us get to where we were going after the tour ended. Highly recommend!
T8468ODzoes, 3/6/2026 7:48:48 AM
Samantha was FANTASTIC! Very personable and full of knowledge and history . Included a lot of extra Dublin secrets and history in addition to the sites on the tour. Can’t wait to try some of her area recommendations .
jltomlinso, 3/5/2026 8:29:49 PM
This tour was great! Our guide, Richard, was very knowledgable of the sites we saw and so much more. Our favorite part was learning about the Book of Kells and The Library (amazing!). He was very accommodating and even provided recommendations on where to shop and eat. I wish we booked this tour earlier in our visit to Dublin so we could try all the places he suggested. We would highly recommend this tour!
Vacation542259, 3/5/2026 8:25:18 PM
This tour was great! Our guide, Richard, was very knowledgable of the sites we saw and so much more. Our favorite part was learning about the Book of Kells and The Library (amazing!). He was very accommodating and even provided recommendations on where to shop and eat. I wish we booked this tour earlier in our visit to Dublin so we could try all the places he suggested. We would highly recommend this tour!
943devons, 3/3/2026 8:33:31 AM
Richard provided a great, educational tour and even included his own list of recommendations for various things like eating and shopping. It helped to have this experience my first day in the city. Would definitely recommend his tour for others that visit.
Hannah_S, 3/2/2026 2:52:46 PM
Martin was a great tour guide, super knowledgeable and friendly! He will also take your pictures for you :)
Brian_S, 2/25/2026 7:36:12 AM
This was an awesome tour from start to finish. Our guide Paul was so knowledgeable and handled all of our many questions. He also was very caring of me - an old guy with a cane. Highest rating from us!
Karin_O, 2/16/2026 3:47:53 AM
Wonderful tour! Martin was informative and entertaining. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour! The walking was just what we needed to keep moving on our first day.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Departure point
Meeting 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.Redemption
- You cannot enter the venue with this voucher. - To participate in your tour, you must first check-in with the guide 15 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE. - You can only access the venues as part of your organised group tour. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled. Health & Safety: - This tour is not suitable for guests who require any device to assist with mobility. - Participants should be in good health, consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise. - Wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking. - Operates in all weather conditions. - Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund