Tickets are instant, flexible, guaranteed best value and valid for up to 365 days. But the long library is another matter it was awe inspiring, you can smell the books but they wont let you lick them. The book s name comes from the abbey of kells in kells, county meath, where it was reputed to have been at least partly written, though its exact origins remain unclear. Trinity collegebook of kells dublin, ireland youtube. Tripadvisor fasttrack easy access book of kells tour.
First your guide takes you through the colleges library, exploring the area known as the long room thats lined with books and statue busts. It is indeed an interesting place to explore and spend some time at. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kells widely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. Bicycles at trinity college, dublin how to see the book of kells for half price or free. Trinity college dublin and the book of kells is one the most popular visitor attractions in ireland and well worth a visit during your tour. Trinity college is home to the famous book of kells. Big bus dublin opentop, hopon hopoff sightseeing tour. Visiting the book of kells at trinity college library, dublin. Trinity college dublin 2020 all you need to know before you. The book of kells in popular culture the book of kells. The book of kells, a precious 9th century manuscript, is an exquisite combination of ornate latin text and intricate illuminations. See all 43 trinity college dublin tours on tripadvisor. With over 2000 of the oldest books housed in this gorgeous library, plus the book of kells, the 9th century gospel manuscript, what else could you ask for. You can access the church by clicking open gate on your.
Tucked away in the magical old library of trinity college dublin sits one of irelands most prized possessions just waiting to be discovered. Feb 12, 2010 davids been here presents one of dublins main attractions, trinity college and the book of kells. But despite visiting dublin on numerous occasions, i had never visited one of the most famous books, in one of the most famous libraries, in the world the book of kells in the trinity college library. I arrived at the library exhibit entrance and purchased my ticket to view the book just before it started to rain. Produced by a team of columban monks living under constant threat from bloodthirsty viking invaders, this medieval manuscript is considered irelands finest national treasure. We recommend booking trinity college dublin tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Trinity college old library and book of kells exhibition heritage. Dating from c ad800, it symbolizes the power of learning, the impact of christianity on the life of the country, and the spirit of artistic imagination. The book of kells is an extraordinary handdrawn manuscript of the four gospels in latin based on a vulgate text, written on vellum prepared calfskin. Trinity college, dublin tourist information dublin. A spokeswoman for trinity said the book of kells exhibition would remain open despite the book being shelved. The magnificent old library built in the 18th century houses the book of kells a 9thcentury. Talks on preservation activities in the old library take place monday to friday in the long room at 3pm. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund.
The book of kells is a permanent exhibit located within the mcclelland library. Choose from a wide range of unique trinity college gifts, perfect for alumni, graduates, students and visitors to our campus. A free, online course developed by trinity college dublin now allows learners worldwide to explore the history of ireland through the remarkable book of kells one of the worlds most famous. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin. Compare ticket prices from different websites and book your trip to see the book of kells in trinity college dublin. Marks church has a number of great deals for parking from 8 for 7 hours. Listen as your guide brings medieval ireland to life, shedding light on the book of kells profound historical significance. Dec 10, 2010 welcome to the old library and the book of kells exhibition within historic trinity college dublin.
Seeing the book of kells in dublin changes in longitude. Book of kells irish cultural center and mcclelland library. The rich history of trinity college dublin makes for compelling reading. Visiting the long room at trinity college library in. Sensual calligraphy scripts initials, typography styles and calligraphic art book of kells book of kells the opening words of marks gospel trinity college in dublin. The book of kells was kept at the abbey even after it was dissolved in the 12th century and turned into a parish church until oliver cromwells army were stationed in kells in 1654. The magnificent book of kells is widely regarded as irelands most valuable national treasure. The book of kells dublin must see the spencer hotel dublin. Patricks day special tshirts, my brotherinlaws tie and a special gift of the book of kells history and highlights to my doctor in germany. It is the oldest university in ireland, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i, and is famous for its graduates such as swift, goldsmith, wilde and beckett. To find out about trinity college dublin click here. Aug 02, 2018 the entrance to trinity college is home to the science gallery dublin where you can experience the most cutting edge offerings in dublin for free before your visit to the world famous, book of kells. Created in the years around 800, it survived viking raids and the theft of its jeweled covers. Visit the book of kells, irelands greatest cultural treasure.
Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin castle. I planned to buy the heritage island explorer guide but not su. Situated just off grafton street in the heart of dublin, trinity is perfectly located to explore the city. The library is home to one of the rare full color facsimiles created in order to increase education, study and access to the book of kells located at trinity college in dublin. The library is open all year round except for a week around the christmas and new year period. Discover medieval ireland using the book of kells, a ninthcentury manuscript featuring the four gospels of the new testament.
The book of kells is a masterpiece of medieval art a brilliantly decorated version of the four gospels with fullpage depictions of christ, the. Talks last 1520 minutes and are free for ticket holders to the book of kells exhibition as well as trinity college students and staff. Trinity s headline attraction is the illustrated ninthcentury manuscript known as the book of kells. Book of kells early access and dublin castle guided tour 2020. How to see dublins book of kells for free or half price. The book of kells and trinity college had been on my must see list for years. If you would like to know more about the book of kells tour, feel free to get in. Browse in full colour and high resolution our 7,000 treasures, including the full book of kells, all free. Authenticity tours offers a combined ticket which incorporates discounts on the cost of a guided tour of trinity college dublin and the admission fee to the book of kells.
The book of kells compare tickets from different websites. Dec 17, 20 the fairytale traveler experience at the book of kells. Inside is housed the book of kells a 9thcentury gospel manuscript famous throughout the world. A visit to the book of kells at the old library in trinity college dublin is a journey through. For leaflets in different languages, admission prices and directions click here. A trip to trinity college to see the extraordinary book of kells has so much more to offer than the chance to see the book itself. Visit the official website for the latest opening times. Visit trinity college dublin and the book of kells exhibition.
The book of kells is irelands greatest cultural treasure and the worlds most famous medieval manuscript. Trinity book of kells opening hours francoise henry. Trinity college dublins old library and book of kells youtube. Trinity college in dublin, to be exact, holds many a wondrous treasure for the insatiable scholar and fewer curiosities for the vaguely obligated tourist. Book of kells, dublin ticket price timings address. The book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. The book remained there until the 1650s when it was moved to dublin for safekeeping and was presented to trinity college dublins tcd library in 1661. Authenticity tours, which operates trinity tours, can facilitate any tour requests from members of the public or tour groups. So wrote james joyce about his copy of the book of kells. Book of kells book in latin the book history books art history ancient history design history trinity college dublin four gospels christ holding a gospel book the book of kells. Current ticket prices and opening hours can be found here.
The book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages. I planned to buy the heritage island explorer guide but not sure if there is a way to book ahead of time and apply this discount. The book of kells is a beautifully handilluminated manuscript, containing the four gospels of the new testament as well as various prefatory texts and tables bound in four volumes. The book of kells here, is a manuscript of the gospel. The book of kells trinity college dublin ms 58 contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin translation. Spend less time reading maps and more time soaking up the scenery on a stressfree tour from. But what can this book tell us about irish history. Buy tickets to trinity college old library and book of kells exhibition. The exhibition and gift shop are open seven days a week. The book of kells washingtoncenterville public library. The gospel texts are prefaced by other texts, including canon tables.
The book is a masterwork of western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of insular illumination. You can then enter the room where the actual book of kells is stored. The book of kells holds a special place in the history of western art as a crowning achievement of the insular manuscript tradition. Trinity gift shop official trinity college dublin gifts. The illuminated manuscript of the four gospels was created by irish monks, who painstakingly covered each page in elaborate and colorful celticinspired imagery. Authenticity tours offers a combined ticket which incorporates discounts on the cost of a guided tour of trinity college dublin and the admission fee to the book of kells and old library exhibition. The old library and the book of kells exhibition are open seven days a week. Because of this very accessible location, transportation from the spencer will not be a problem. College green trinity college dublin, dublin 2, ireland. A ticket to see the book of kells also gets you into the long room. It was created in a columban monastery in either britain or ireland and may have had. Beat the crowds for earlyaccess to the old library in trinity college to get an upclose look at this celebrated text. Lasting 35 minutes, the tour encompasses the four major squares of the college.
Each gospel tells the story of jesus christ, but each has an emphasis on different parts of that story. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin 2020. Generally speaking, the library closes at 1700, though there are some exceptions. You will enter into an exhibit that explains the book of kells first. No book evokes such passion amongst art lovers as the 9th century illuminated manuscript known as the book of kells. The book of kells, at trinity college in dublin, was originally a single volume but was rebound in four volumes in 1953 for conservation reasons. See all 44 trinity college dublin tours on tripadvisor. I love losing myself in their pages on a rainy day.
Learn more from dr jane maxwell, manuscripts curator at trinity. The library is like a piece of heaven on earth for book lovers of course and also for others as it is exceptionally calm and informative. Top tips on parking near the book of kells parkpnp blog. This gift edition book features 59 fullsize reproductions of complete pages from the book of kells and enlarged details that allow you to relish the intricacy of elements barely visible to the naked eye. Admire the long room in the old library before gazing in awe at the illuminated manuscript of the book of kells. Trinity to shelve book of kells for four months the irish times. The library building itself was built between 1710 and 1732 so its almost a toddler in comparison.
The book of kells, the book of kells exhibition, trinity. Kells, book of,an irish manuscript containing the four gospels, a fragment of hebrew names, and the eusebian canons, known also as the book of columba, probably because it was written in the monastery of iona in honor of the saint. The entire first floor of the book of kells exhibit is set up nicely as a self guided tour through blown up illuminated replicas of the manuscript. I strongly advise you spending the 5 euro to get the audio mp3 player with headphones that you keep. For me, it held one of the crown jewels of literature, the book of kells.
Ways to experience the book of kells and the old library exhibition. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four gospels of the life of jesus christ. However, from time to time and at short notice we have to close for a few hours. Trinity offers iconic meeting and event space, stylish dining and over 600 bedrooms on its historical campus. The book of kells is on display in the old library within trinity college, located right in the heart of dublin city centre. This manuscript is the finest example of insular art in existence. Trinity college dublin 2020 all you need to know before. The old library and the book of kells is a lovely library thats often crowded. As an irish citizen abroad, i have long enjoyed the trinity gift shop gifts and newslettersyour items have been my book of kells christmas cards, my sisters favourite necklace and jewellery, my two sons st. Find the best deal for your dates to save time and money. Mar, 2017 the book of kells the book of kells is a lavishly decorated manuscript of the four gospels of the new testament of the bible. The old library book of kells exhibition dublin visitor centre. Avoid the crowds and explore irish history in peace on this book of kells and dublin castle exterior tour. During this time, a full colour replica of the book of kells will be displayed in long room.
Meath, ireland, the book was brought there after the monastic community on iona. Two volumes are normally on display one opened at a major decorated page, the other at a text opening. The book of kells manuscript, housed at trinity college dublin is world famous it attracts almost one million visitors a year. Written on vellum and containing a latin text of the gospels, it is one of the most popular sights in dublin. Whether a rousing account of the history of women in the college, or a lushly illustrated coffee table edition, trinity s book collection will both exhilarate and delight. Jul 08, 2018 the lavish decoration and artistry of the book is what makes it so famous. The universitys beautiful campus filled with leafy, cobbled squares and historic buildings. The old library, the book of kells exhibition, and the long room are open daily to visitors. Amidst 47 acres of classic and modern buildings, stunning grounds and irelands oldest. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kellswidely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. The closest train station would be pearse street station which is a 10minute walk door to door. Aug 15, 2019 pride of place is given to the book of kells, an illuminated gospel manuscript dating from the 9th century. You will also be able to visit the long room the main chamber of the old library, see the oldest harp in ireland and also one of the copies of the 1916 proclamation of the irish republic. The book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin, ireland.
Stay at trinity college dublin in the heart of dublin and explore all that tcd has to offer including the book of kells exhibition, trinity gift shop and more. Im a little worried about spending a lot of time in line. The book of kells, dublin tourist information dublin. The book of kells is one of dublins main tourist attractions, but is it worth. I found the book of kells interesting, no more than that. Your tour of the book of kells, trinity colleges library, and dublin castle meets in the front of trinity college in central dublin. The book was then sent to dublin for safekeeping and later presented to trinity college in 1661, where it has remained ever since. Our innovative shop connects designers and customers through a range of exclusive products rooted in the values and traditions of trinity college. Generally believed to have been written by monks in the scriptorium of the monastery founded by st columcille on the hebridean island of iona, it was moved to a new monastery in kells, co meath, after a viking raid on iona in the early ninth century.
Trinity college is a legal deposit library for ireland and the united kingdom, and therefore legally entitled to a copy of every book published in great britain and ireland and consequently receives over 100,000 new items every year. You are not allowed to photograph it, so here is a picture of the exhibition courtesy of mr. A visit to trinity college and the trinity college library to see the ancient book of kells truly made my dublin travel experience more complete. The book of kells in trinity is considered one of irelands greatest national treasures. If crowdfree photos are something youre hoping for, i suggest purchasing fasttrack tickets online in advance and. Ireland and the book of kells history course futurelearn. The old library and book of kells trinity college dublin is the oldest university in ireland, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i and famous for its graduates swift, goldsmith, wilde and beckett. Explore the official book of kells gift range with trinity college dublin. Despite its city centre location, trinity college enjoys a very tranquil and studious atmosphere. Weve got the perfect gift to celebrate your special occasion. While the book of kells would be justly famous for its age alone, its renowned for its spectacular artwork. The grouping of the symbols is a reminder to the reader that the gospel tells the same story. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin.
The gospel texts are prefaced by other texts, including canon tables, or concordances of gospel passages common to two or more of the. Browse 140 book of kells stock photos and images available, or search for illuminated manuscript or trinity college to find more great stock. It was created by celtic monks circa 800 or slightly earlier. No trip to dublin is complete without marveling at the unique creation that is the book of kells.