Trinity College Dubiln

Book Of Kells

History & Heritage

Book Of Kells Experience

A Book of Kells tour at Trinity College Dublin is a multi-part experience showcasing Ireland’s 1,200-year-old gospel manuscript in the historic Old Library.

The 18th-century old library (and tour) features the stunning Long Room and a digital exhibition in the nearby Pavilion building. Visitors can expect to gain insight into the book’s creation, its rich symbolism, and other precious collections such as the Brian Boru Harp.

Visitors have the option to do guided walks (sometimes combined with campus walks (Trinity Trails) or self-guided audio tours for a deeper dive into Irish history and culture. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience.

Celtic Gospel Book In Latin

Five Things to Know Before Doing The Book Of Kells Tour

Masterpiece of Celtic Art: It’s a stunning example of Insular art, filled with intricate knotwork, zoomorphic designs (animals), and elaborate “carpet pages,” making its decoration incredibly detailed and mesmerising.
Vibrant, Ancient Pigments: Its vivid colours including whites, pinks, and purples, come from natural sources like gypsum and lichen, showing remarkable preservation for its age.
Unfinished & Incomplete: Despite its fame, the book is incomplete; pages are missing from the beginning and end, and some planned illustrations (such as a Crucifixion) were never finished; possibly due to Viking raids or other crises.
Origin & Journey: Believed to be created in Scotland (Iona) around 800 AD by Columban monks, it later came to the monastery at Kells, Ireland, after Viking attacks. Eventually it was brought to Trinity College Dublin.
Delicate Treasure: Kept in a protective case in Trinity College’s Old Library, only two pages are displayed at once and are changed every few months to preserve the delicate vellum from light and handling.