Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is the centrepiece of an exhibition which attracts over 500,000 visitors to Trinity College Dublin each year. Written around the year 800 AD, the Book of Kells contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a Latin text based on the Vulgate edition (completed by St Jerome in 384 AD).

The gospels are preceded by prefaces, summaries of the gospel narratives and concordances of gospel passages compiled in the fourth century by Eusebius of Caesarea. In all, there are 340 folios (680 pages).

The script is embellished by the elaboration of key words and phrases and by an endlessly inventive range of decorated initials and interlinear drawings. The book contains complex scenes normally interpreted as the Arrest of Christ, His Temptation, and images of Christ, the Virgin and Child, St Matthew and St John.

Originally a single volume, it was rebound in four volumes in 1953 for conservation reasons. Two volumes are normally on display, one opened at a major decorated page, the other at a text opening.

Admission Prices:

• Adults: €9
• Students/Senior Citizens: €8
• Family Ticket: €18 (2 adults and 4 children)
• Group Rate: €6.50 per person for groups of 10 or more
• School Groups (18 years old and under) accompanied by their teachers: free admission from 1 October to 1 April
• Children (under 12): free all the year around

The Book of Kells is housed in the Old Library building. The Old Library is wheelchair accessible.

Admission to the Old Library includes the following:

• The Book of Kells
• Turning Darkness into Light exhibition
• Long Room
• Current Long Room exhibition

We do not take bookings or reservations, everyone joins the queue. However, if there is a queue you will not be waiting for more than 10 minutes. Allow at least 40 minutes to an hour for your visit which is self-guiding. Tours of the wider College campus, including entry to the Book of Kells, are also available.

Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday 09:30 - 17:00
Sunday (May - September) 09:30 - 16:30
Sunday (October - April) 12:00 - 16:30

Public Holiday Arrangements 2010
Wednesday 17 March - St Patrick’s Day - open 12:00 - 16:30
Friday 2 April - Good Friday - open 12:00 - 16:30
Monday 5 April - Easter Monday - open 12:00 - 16:30
Monday 3 May - May Holiday - open 09:30 - 17:00
Monday 7 June - June Holiday - open 09:30 - 17:00
Monday 2 August - August Holiday - open 09:30 - 17:00

Christmas closing times:
Closing 5pm on Thursday 23rd December 2010 and re-opening on Tuesday 4th January 2011 at 9.30am.