Dublin in a Day Tour with St Patrick's Cathedral and the Book of Kells

A medieval adventure in Dublin
From US$815 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
6.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Dublin Castle
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral
  • General Post Office
  • Book of Kells
  • National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
Photos & Highlights
  • Visit the grand buildings of Dublin and the world’s most famous book
  • Led by a local expert or scholar
Select a date
Tour Description
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and geography of Ireland's capital city on this 7-hour walking tour. We’ve carefully crafted an itinerary led by one of our expert guides, that will pass over Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We will finish at the illustrious Old Library in Trinity College where you will view and learn about the fascinating Book of Kells. This tour is a fantastic introduction to the Irish capital and its treasures.

PLEASE NOTE: Guiding is not allowed in the Old Library and the Book of Kells exhibition. Your expert guide will provide information to enable you to fully appreciate these parts of the tour before visiting the Book of Kells and there will be time for questions afterward.
Experts
Catherine Catherine
Local Guide
Francesca Francesca
Local Guide
Adam Adam
Local Tour Guide
John John
Local Guide
Jennifer Jennifer
Local Guide
Kevin Kevin
Archaeologist
Ruairi Ruairi
Local Guide
Dairine Dairine
Local Guide
Cat Cat
Historian
Anne Marie Anne Marie
Local Guide
Peter Peter
Local Guide
Jim Jim
Local Guide
Hogan Hogan
Local Guide
We’ll start our day at Bite of Life Café before heading to Dublin Castle, navigating the city’s medieval streets with a map to orient ourselves. This area, dating back to the 9th-century Viking settlement, marks Dublin’s origins. We’ll admire the Record Tower (circa 1204–28), a remarkable example of Norman battlement architecture, and learn about its varied uses over the centuries. Nearby, we’ll explore Dublin Castle and the Chapel Royal, whose Georgian and Gothic Revival designs have hosted significant state events, offering insights into Ireland’s political and social history.  

Continuing to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, built between 1220 and 1260, we’ll uncover its role in Ireland’s religious and social developments. Hear the story of its 19th-century restoration, funded by the Guinness family to prevent its collapse. After a lunch break at a local pub or restaurant, we’ll cross the River Liffey via a historic bridge, such as the Ha’Penny Bridge, and wander through the lively Temple Bar district, known for its diverse architecture and cultural landmarks.  

Our tour concludes at Trinity College, home to the legendary Book of Kells. Created around 1,200 years ago, this masterpiece reflects influences from various traditions and showcases remarkable craftsmanship. The newly renovated *Book of Kells Experience* features immersive digital displays, providing a deeper understanding of its history. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a richer appreciation of Dublin’s history and culture, from medieval architecture to its modern identity, and even the best spots for a pint.  
  • Dublin Castle (exterior only)
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
  • Book of Kells
  • Includes St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Tickets to the Book of Kells Experience and exhibition
  • Which venues will we go inside? We will explore Dublin Castle from the outside but tickets to visit the Book of Kells inside Trinity college are included with your tour. We don't include a visit inside St Patrick's Cathedral as standard, but many clients choose to. Tickets for the Cathedral aren't included in the tour price so please have some local currency or a credit card on hand for the entrance fee if you wish to go inside.  
  • 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.
  • Is this tour walking-intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible? It is accessible with a few adjustments. The Old Library, where the Book of Kells is located, is fully wheelchair accessible. On arrival, we will arrange for a Library Guard to assist you in using our elevator and accessing all areas of the exhibition. At Dublin Castle, we will help you access the State Apartments. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is wheelchair accessible. As these accommodations may add more time to your tour, please let us know at the outset if there are venues, galleries, artworks, or rooms you don’t want to miss. 
  • What if it’s raining? This tour operates in all weather. Please bring appropriate clothing and maybe an umbrella. 
  • Is this tour appropriate for children? Yes, please just make a note when purchasing that there will be children on the tour alongside their ages.
  • For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
  • Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(4.97) 31 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.

Superb
Kevin was amazing! He is an impressive expert on Irish history and has a great sense of humor. We really enjoyed our day today and we very highly recommend him to anyone looking for an informative tour of both Dublin and Irish history - exactly what we were hoping for.
Great tour, very knowledgeable. Enjoyed it tremendously.

Experience the Best of Dublin in a Day: St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Book of Kells

Maximize your time in Dublin with our comprehensive Dublin in a Day Tour, which includes priority access to St. Patrick’s Cathedral tickets and the renowned Book of Kells. This all-encompassing tour takes you through Dublin’s most iconic landmarks, blending the city’s rich history with its vibrant culture. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, you’ll explore the grandeur of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the intricate beauty of the Book of Kells, all while uncovering the stories that have shaped Ireland’s capital.

To deepen your understanding before the tour, consider watching our lecture on the Book of Kells, providing you with valuable insights into this masterpiece of medieval art. This tour is an immersive experience of Dublin’s historical and cultural gems and includes St. Patrick’s Cathedral tickets.

Book your Dublin in a Day Tour today and experience the essence of Dublin with ease and expertise, ensuring an unforgettable visit to this historic city.