Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Trinity College was founded in 1592 and still works as a university, so the cobbled squares are part of daily student life. The Book of Kells is a Gospel book made around 800 and kept in the Old Library, where only a few pages are on show at a time. The visit starts with the digital exhibition on how the book was made, then moves to the Long Room, a barrel-vaulted hall lined with about 200,000 of the oldest books in the library. Allow time for the queue at the entrance and for Front Square before you go in.

What to look for

• The Book of Kells and the pages currently on display
• The Long Room, with its two floors of wooden shelves and marble busts
• The Brian Boru harp, a medieval Irish harp on display in the Long Room
• Front Square and the Campanile

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday 8:30 to 18:30, Friday and Saturday 8:30 to 19:00, Sunday 9:00 to 18:30. Entry is by timed ticket.

Source: Trinity College Dublin, Book of Kells Experience, checked October 5, 2026

Tickets and booking

Adult ticket €25. The standard Book of Kells Experience is self-guided and listed from 25 euros online. A cheaper ticket covers the Book of Kells and Long Room without the digital exhibition, and guided and bundle tickets cost more.

Book a timed ticket online before you travel. Same-day slots for the Book of Kells and Old Library often sell out.

Getting there

The Trinity stop on the Luas Green line is a two minute walk, and Pearse station on the DART is about five minutes away.

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Tip

Take the first slot of the day. The Long Room is easier to look at before the tour groups arrive.