Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
- Book of Kells
- National Gallery of Ireland
Photos & Highlights
Select a date
Tour Description
Your tour starts with a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland, home to one of Dublin’s finest collections of Irish and European art. Here you’ll begin to explore Irish culture and history through the nation’s artistic output. You may view paintings covering Irish mythology, the peasantry of the nineteenth century and the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in the twelfth century.
Next, you’ll walk the short distance to the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, where you’ll delve deeper into Celtic culture and mythology. You’ll learn about the Tuatha dé Dannan, a mythical race of people from early Irish literature that brought four magical items to Ireland from cities—since disappeared—in the Northern Ocean. Your guide will help the museum’s objects come to life through stories of this and other myths integral to Irish culture.
All of these discussions will prepare you well for a visit to one of Dublin’s greatest treasures: the Book of Kells. After your time in the Archaeology museum, your expert will walk you over to Trinity College, sharing stories about the Book of Kells and the famed Long Library along the way.
Your expert will hand over your tickets to the Book of Kells, giving you some pointers on particular things to look out for on your independent visit. Your time with your guide will come to an end as you make your way into the exhibition, armed with newfound knowledge about Irish culture and mythology that will enhance your visit.
After major renovation works, a new digital experience has been inaugurated: The Book of Kells Experience will amaze you with its immersive video illustrations and audio-themed accompaniment. It's an extraordinary voyage that will guide you through the ancient masterpiece's history.
Caution: Book of Kells 360 content contains imagery and moving video that may cause discomfort for those who are sensitive to light or motion or have epilepsy.
After major renovation works, a new digital experience has been inaugurated: The Book of Kells Experience will amaze you with its immersive video illustrations and audio-themed accompaniment. It's an extraordinary voyage that will guide you through the ancient masterpiece's history.
Caution: Book of Kells 360 content contains imagery and moving video that may cause discomfort for those who are sensitive to light or motion or have epilepsy.
- You're seeking to explore Dublin’s cultural offerings from the medieval to the modern periods
- You wish to enhance your visit to the Book of Kells exhibition with an insightful discussion about the manuscript and its place in Irish history and culture beforehand
- National Gallery of Ireland - the home of Ireland’s national collection of Irish and European art, including masterpieces from artists such as Jack B. Yeats
- National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology - museum specializing in Irish antiquities dating from the Stone Age to the Late Middle Ages
- Book of Kells - an illuminated manuscript and Celtic Gospel book in Latin, famous for the intricacy, detail, and majesty of the illustrations
Tickets
- Includes tickets to the Book of Kells exhibition, for you to visit independently at the end of your tour
General Information
- There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities as well as opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
- The National Gallery of Ireland and the Book of Kells exhibition are wheelchair accessible
- The ground floor of the National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology is accessible but there is no lift to the first floor
- For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
- Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Will we visit the Book of Kells exhibition with our guide?
No, guiding is not allowed at the Book of Kells exhibition, due to crowding there. The clients will visit independently after the tour and the content of the tour will prepare them well for their visit.
Will we get to visit the Long Library?
Yes, this will be part of their independent visit to the Book of Kells exhibition. A redevelopment project is currently (from summer 2023) taking place at the Long Library, meaning that all the books have been removed from the shelves. In November 2023, the Book of Kells will be moved to a separate exhibition space but the Long Library will remain open for visitors (albeit with no books on the shelves).
Does this tour include Trinity College?
We will walk through Trinity College to access the Book of Kells exhibition. Please note guiding is not allowed on campus nor at the Book of Kells exhibition. We will provide explanations prior to the walk-through.
No, guiding is not allowed at the Book of Kells exhibition, due to crowding there. The clients will visit independently after the tour and the content of the tour will prepare them well for their visit.
Will we get to visit the Long Library?
Yes, this will be part of their independent visit to the Book of Kells exhibition. A redevelopment project is currently (from summer 2023) taking place at the Long Library, meaning that all the books have been removed from the shelves. In November 2023, the Book of Kells will be moved to a separate exhibition space but the Long Library will remain open for visitors (albeit with no books on the shelves).
Does this tour include Trinity College?
We will walk through Trinity College to access the Book of Kells exhibition. Please note guiding is not allowed on campus nor at the Book of Kells exhibition. We will provide explanations prior to the walk-through.
Where You'll Start
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8 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Cat was great! Very entertaining and packed a ton of information into our time with her. She also had great recommendations for places to eat, activities, and where to hear music.
Julie
Oct 25, 2024
The guide was great. A+++++
David
Oct 23, 2024
Catherine was an amazing guide. Fun, entertaining and an excellent conveyor of all things Irish. Educated and intelligent, Catherine gave us nonstop info and commentary during our time together. Very enjoyable and informative afternoon. We would love to tour with Catherine again.
James
Oct 13, 2024