Private Tour
Skip-the-line Book of Kells and Dublin Old Town Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Old Town & Book of Kells
Book this tour to see the Books of Kells in the Old Library with skip-the-line tickets and discover other highlights of Dublin, such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and more.
3-hour: Old Town, Book of Kells & Transport
This option includes a 1-hour round-trip transfer and a 2-hour walking tour of Dublin's Old Town with skip-the-line tickets to the Books of Kells exhibition in the Old Library.
4-hour: Old Town, Book of Kells & Christ Church Cathedral
Book this tour to see the Books of Kells in the Old Library and the Christ Church Cathedral with skip-the-line tickets and discover more highlights of Dublin, such as St Patrick's
5-hour: Old Town, Book of Kells, Christ Church Cathedral & Transport
This option includes a 1-hour round-trip transfer and a 4-hour walking tour of Dublin's Old Town, the Books of Kells, Old Library and Christ Church Cathedral.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check your email the day before the tour for important information from Rosotravel.
The itinerary depends on the selected option.
Tickets to the Book of Kells are timed. You will skip the line at the ticket office, but not at the entrance and security checks. The exhibition is located in the Old Library at Trinity College, where guiding is restricted, especially during the ongoing renovations.
Tickets to Christ Church Cathedral and Crypts allow you to skip the ticket line. Entry during masses and special events is restricted.
The 3- and 4-hour options include an estimated 1-hour round-trip transfer from your accommodation, depending on the distance and traffic. We will arrange a standard car (sedan) for 1-4 people, or a van for groups of 5+. Booking a 5-people tour ensures a larger vehicle for your comfort.
2-hour tour: for the best experience, group size is limited to 1-25 guests per guide.
4-hour tour: due to the cathedral's policy, 1 licensed guide can lead a group of 1-20 people.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
5-Star Licensed Guide fluent in the language of your choice
Private Walking Tour of Dublin with The Book of Kells Exhibition and Christ Church Cathedral
Skip-the-line tickets to the Christ Church Cathedral an Crypts (4 and 5-hour options only)
Round-trip transfer with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (3 and 5-hour options only)
Skip-the-line timed tickets to the Book of Kells Exhibition at the Old Library (all options)
- (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Christ Church Cathedral and Crypts (in 2 and 3-hour options)
Round-trip transfer with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2 and 4H options)
Entry to the Bell Tower of Chirst the Cathedral
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Meet your guide next to the Molly Malone Statue (outside St. Andrew's Church), Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland
The Book of Kells Experience
private tour to the Book of Kells and Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin. Your Private Guide will meet you next to the legendary Molly Malone Statue and take you to the college campus, where each corner tells fascinating stories about notable people who had attended this renowned institution. You'll enjoy priority access with our skip-the-line timed tickets, allowing you to leisoursly explore the university’s Old Library with the Book of Kells Exhibition, the Immersive Digital Exhibition and Gift Shop. The Old Library's iconic Long Room is filled with the nostalgic smell of old paper and wood. It houses a collection of 200,000 old books, including the 9th century manuscript that documents the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ, known as the Book of Kells. It’s a very rare treasure that you won't see anywhere else! In addition to this unforgettable experience, you explore the Old Town
Options
5H: Old Town, Kells, Cathedral
Duration: 5 hours: This option includes a 1-hour round-trip transfer and a 4-hour walking tour of Dublin's Old Town.
,: the Books of Kells, Old Library and Christ Church Cathedral.
Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - IRDU022.
Pickup included
3H: OldTown, Kells & Transport
Duration: 3 hours: This option includes a 1-hour round-trip transfer and a 2-hour walking tour of Dublin's Old Town.
,: with skip-the-line tickets to the Books of Kells exhibition in the Old Library.
Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - IRDU022.
Pickup included
2H: Old Town & Book of Kells
Duration: 2 hours: Book this tour to see the Books of Kells in the Old Library with skip-the-line tickets and.
,: discover other highlights of Dublin, such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and more.
Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - IRDU022.
4H: Old Town, Kells &Cathedral
Duration: 4 hours: Book this tour to see the Books of Kells in the Old Library and the Christ Church Cathedral with skip-the-line tickets.
,: and discover more highlights of Dublin, such as St Patrick's.
Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - IRDU022.
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth every penny
Steven S,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00John the tour guide was worth every penny and because he was a private guide it was a lot of Pennie’s. I would recommend the experience with him for sure!!
Having a private tour...
Karen E,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Having a private tour guide for Book of Kells was fabulous. And Dave was a great tour guide! Highly recommend!
10/10 Private Walking Tour
802nikas,
Nov 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. I learned so much from my guide! I was able to discuss topics I wanted and focus on specific areas. Would recommend to those in small groups or even solo.
Don't miss the Book of Kells
chrishanthiep,
Sep 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved the library. Very thorough and informative exhibit on the Book of Kells. To be in a place surrounded by books that old is special.
A perfect high-end tour of Dublin’s main attractions
Irena K,
Aug 13, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was Dave Kavanagh: I cannot praise the quality of the tour enough. Although getting the tickets has been challenging, he has managed to obtain those. We got a full detailed tour of the city, Christchurch and StPatrick’s cathedrals, Trinity college, the book of Kells and Sweney’s apothecary shop for the final touch. As we are avid readers of Joyce and are a family of academics, the tour was funny and tasteful, thorough and… well … perfect! Highly recommended, especially if you get lucky to have Dave as a tour guide. Thank you from all of us.
Wonderful private tour!
Cheryl U,
Oct 19, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00While the Book of Kells self-guided tour was good, it was a bit disappointing, perhaps because of my expectations. There were too many people at one time, making it difficult to thoroughly read and digest displays. I had also expected to see more of the Book itself, though I now see that that isn't possible without destroying it. However, we loved our guide, Ben, who then took us on a walking tour of the area surrounding the Temple College campus. He was very knowledgeable, answering all of the questions my group threw at him and providing interesting history and facts. Thank you, Ben! You made our day!!
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Operated by Rosotravel - Ireland City Tours