Book of kells greatest illustrated version of the gospels. Explore the official book of kells gift range with trinity college dublin. The town lies off the m3 motorway, 16 km 10 mi from navan and 65 km 40 mi from dublin. A visit to the book of kells at the old library in trinity college dublin is a journey through some of irelands most iconic cultural heritage. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin. Avoid the crowds and explore irish history in peace on this 2. The work is the most famous of the medieval illuminated manuscripts for the intricacy, detail, and majesty of the illustrations. Apr 19, 20 the book of kells, one of irelands great treasures is also a european cultural icon, and is among our top ten tourist attractions.
It is possible the monks may have worked on the manuscript at both locations. Located in the heart of the city centre in trinity college dublin, the exhibition displays the book of kells, a 9th century manuscript that documents the four. The book of kells is one of ireland s most famous cultural treasures, and can be found carefully preserved and on display in trinity college, dublin. The book of kells is the worlds most famous medieval manuscript and dates from the 9th century. Mar 07, 20 dublin has many places of interest and attractions to make a visit to irelands capital city a memorable one. Visitor attractions include the old library and the book of kells exhibition, gift shop, science gallery, zoological museum and cafes. Once you book the tour, we will coordinate which of the optional stops which are important to you and i can put the bespoke tour together for you. Trinitys greatest treasures are found within the old library, built by thomas burgh between 1712 and 1732. Together with the gospels of lindisfarne and the book of durrow, i would say that the book of kells is one of the. Book of kells early access and dublin castle guided tour 2020. What companies run services between dublin, ireland and kells, northern ireland. This illuminated manuscript contains the four gospels of the bibles new testament and other sacred texts, written in latin. It is generally accepted that the document was produced in the scriptorium of a monastery on the isle of iona, scotland, to honor saint columba in the early 8 th century.
You havent been to ireland unless youve seen the book of kells. Avoid the crowds and explore irish history in peace on this book of kells and dublin castle exterior tour. College green trinity college dublin, dublin 2, ireland. Top 10 dublin hotels near the book of kells ireland. Ways to experience the book of kells and the old library exhibition. Kells was chosen as the site to found a new abbey after a viking raid on iona meant the monks needed to set up a new site that would be protected, due to its distance from the coast and the seafaring viking marauders. Alternatively, you can take a bus from dublin to kells via belfast city centre, glengall street, belfast europa bus centre, and ballymena in around 4h 39m. During our trip to dublin we spent some time checking out the book of kells and trinity college. 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. Dublin to kells 4 ways to travel via bus, taxi, car, and uber. Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the cobbled stones of trinity college dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent old library building was constructed. How to see dublins book of kells for free or half price. Youll be able to view an exhibition on how the book of kells was made, and general exhibits of ireland, while waiting for entry to the viewing area.
Dublin has many places of interest and attractions to make a visit to irelands capital city a memorable one. Book of kells was written in the year 750 on a tiny island of iona off scotlands west coast. The book of kells is one of irelands most precious national treasures. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kellswidely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. For digitized images of the book of kells, see trinity college dubins digital exhibit the facsimile on. The food, the location, the staff, and the owner theresa made us feel very welcome. Up close with dublin on foot a 5 hour tour covering the celts, viking, medieval and english dublin. At the conclusion of the tour, you may remain in the center of dublin for shopping or independent sightseeing, or return with your guide to your ship.
The book of kells and old trinity college library dublin. The town of kells after which the book takes its name is located in county meath, in the republic of ireland. It was created in a columban monastery in either britain or ireland and may have had contributions from various columban institutions from both britain and ireland. The text of the gospels is largely drawn from the vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the ear. Sheridans cheesemongers sells farmhouse cheeses and foods that are handmade in ireland and also a wide selection of delicious artisan produce from all over europe. Your tour of the book of kells, trinity colleges library, and dublin castle meets in the front of trinity college in central dublin. Trinity college library, dublin precious book was thrown in a ditch. Although it was kept at the abbey of kells monastery in county meath for much of the late medieval and early modern periods, the exact origins of the manuscript are still not known for certain. The book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. Located in kells in the meath region, with monastery of.
Book of kells and the treasures of dublin context travel. First your guide takes you through the colleges library, exploring the area known as the long room thats lined with books and statue busts of famous masters of science, literature, and art. Admission to the treasury to view the book of kells, entrance to the exhibition turning darkness into light and a fully guided visit to the old library of trinity college. 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. 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. You can take a train from dublin to kells via belfast lanyon place, ballymena, and ballymena in around 4h 38m. Generally referred to as irelands finest national treasure, the book of kells is a richly decorated ancient manuscript containing the four gospels of the christian scriptures in latin. You simply cant travel to the capital of ireland without the book of kells being mentioned. Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the cobbled stones of trinity college dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent old library building was constructed and which displays the book of kells. Gifts featuring the book of kells, irelands greatest treasure. The book of kells attractions museums and attractions. Our online book of kells brochures are available in the following languages. You will explore the 9th book of kells rich ornamentation, multilayered symbolism and meaning.
The book of kells holds a special place in the history of western art as a crowning achievement of the insular manuscript tradition. I love losing myself in their pages on a rainy day. In the heart of the boyne valley, familyrun headfort arms hotel features an excellent restaurant and relaxing spa rooms. Beat the crowds early access to the treasury to view the incredible book of kells and the old library. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin. During my recent visit to dublin, ireland i was able to make my way over to the old library at trinity college, home to the book of kells exhibit.
Nov 17, 2019 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. The book of kells, one of irelands great treasures is also a european cultural icon, and is among our top ten tourist attractions. Dublin to kells 4 ways to travel via train, bus, and car. The pagan celtic people in ireland had no useful written language. The book of kells, which is on display in trinity college, was written around the year 800 ad and is one of the most beautifully illustrated manuscripts in the world.
This early access tour offers visitors to dublin a one of a kind opportunity to enjoy the exhibition experience without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Book of kells irish cultural center and mcclelland library. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing the four gospels of the new testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. Trinity college dublin is the oldest university in ireland, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i and famous for its graduates such as swift, goldsmith, wilde and beckett. Nov 05, 2015 arguably the most famous artifact on display in dublin is the book of kells also known as the book of columba at trinity college. It is ireland s most precious medieval artifact and is generally considered the finest surviving illuminated manuscript to have been produced in medieval europe. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. The book of kells is irelands greatest cultural treasure and the worlds. The book of kells irelands illuminated treasure at trinity college library. On this tour your guide will ensure an up close visit of the book of kells and old library. The book of kells, one of great treasures of medieval europe, is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing four gospels of new testament matthew, mark, luke and john together with various prefatory texts and tables. The book of kells and the old library are located in the heart of dublin city, in trinity college dublin. The book of kells museums and attractions dublin city.
For irish people, it represents a sense of pride, a tangible link to a positive time in ireland s past, reflected through its unique art. The star of the show is the book of kells, a breathtaking, illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the new testament, created around ad 800 by monks on the scottish island of iona, but more stunning still is the 65m long room, the. Home to irelands largest collection of books and manuscripts, the old librarys principal treasure is the book of kells, generally considered to be the most striking manuscript ever produced in. The cliffs of moher are located in burren on the wild atlantic way, a winding coastal road notoriously difficult to navigate. The book of kells and trinity college had been on my must see list for years. Housed within the old library building, the book of kells is a precious 9th century manuscript, featuring an exquisite combination of ornate latin text and intricate illuminations. Created in the years around 800, it survived viking raids and the theft of its jeweled covers. Last year more than one million people visited the attraction, often a mustsee on tourist itineraries for visits to dublin. Going into our visit i honestly did not know much about the book of kells. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin 2020 all. Apr 21, 2020 the book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. English brochure irish brochure french brochure spanish brochure german.
There are 4 ways to get from dublin to kells by bus, taxi, car or towncar. The book of kells is ireland s greatest cultural treasure and the worlds. One of irelands major cultural and artistic treasures, the book of kells and the old library exhibition counts among the oldest texts in the world, dated to the 9th century. The book of kells, the most famous medieval manuscript in the world, will be removed from display at trinity college dublin until march 2020. No trip to dublin is complete without a visit to the old library of trinity college to admire the book of kells. Housed within the old library building, the book of kells is a precious 9th century manuscript, featuring an exquisite combination of. During this time, a full colour replica of the book of kells will be displayed in long room and ticket prices will be reduced by 15%. Irish monks labored in isolation to mix inks to create scriptures that we can see today in dublin. A visit to the book of kells at the old library in trinity college dublin is a journey through some of ireland s most iconic cultural heritage.
It is best known as the site of kells abbey, from which the book of kells takes its name. Meath, ireland, the book was brought there after the monastic community on iona. They have retail outlets and market stalls in counties dublin, galway and meath. Select an option below to see stepbystep directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in rome2rios travel planner. Book of kells early access tour with dublin castle. The book of kells is ireland s greatest cultural treasure and the worlds most famous medieval manuscript. Throughout the tour i can also make suggestions for places you might like to visit during the rest of your stay. Nov 22, 2019 the book of kells is a stunningly beautiful manuscript containing the four gospels. Discover one of the most important highlights of irish heritage on this early access fully guided tour. The 10 best hotels close to book of kells in dublin, ireland. The irish book of kells is almost as symbolic to ireland and st. Amazingly, the book survived intact, only to be stolen in the 11th century and later found buried in a ditch without its golden, jewel encrusted cover.
Apr 17, 2014 the book of kells and the old library exhibition. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24hour front desk and room service, along with free wifi throughout the property. Book of kells things to do in dublin ireland your days out. Includes images of the entire contents of the manuscript, with detailed. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kells widely considered among the most important of. The book of kells and the old library exhibition, dublin. Discover the book of kells through trinity colleges free. The book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin, ireland. Unique gifts inspired by the book of kells, irelands greatest cultural treasure. It is probably the most wellknown sample of medieval illumination and calligraphy still around today.
The original is preserved in trinity college dublin in ireland. Inside is housed the book of kells a 9thcentury gospel manuscript famous throughout the world. It is held as part of the manuscript, print, and book cultures research theme, in association with the trinity long room hub, the faculty of arts, humanities, and social sciences, and the library of trinity college dublin. The book of kells is an ancient piece of irish art. The beyond the book of kells lecture series is lead by dr mark faulkner of trinity colleges school of english. The book of kells by trinity college dublin ireland. The book is a major dublin attraction and attracts many travelers, particularly during summer. Book of kells early access and dublin castle guided tour. 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. A walk through trinity college and the book of kells will bring you back to the 18 th century, when the maginificent old library building was constructed. It is known for its worldrenowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to the 800. Spend less time reading maps and more time soaking up the scenery on a stressfree tour from dublin. Trinity to shelve book of kells for four months the irish times.
This made kells popular with dublin commuters looking for a home in the country, the town population grew massively during the celtic tiger years when ireland experienced an economic boom in the early 2000s. The book of kells, irelands greatest cultural treasure, will be taken off display for four months. Trinity college old library and book of kells exhibition. For those who like to enjoy a more cultural or literary break, a trip to the trinity college library where the famous book of kells is housed, is a must. It was later moved to kells, ireland, by the columban monks after a viking raid in 806 ad. 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. The gospel texts are prefaced by other texts, including canon tables, or concordances of gospel passages common to two or more of the. Located in the heart of the city centre in trinity college dublin, the exhibition displays the book of kells, a. Jan 22, 2014 book of kells and trinity college dublin ireland january 22, 2014 by tammilee leave a comment during our trip to dublin we spent some time checking out the book of kells and trinity college.
Dublins trinity college old library building is deceptive. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kells widely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. Visiting the book of kells at trinity college library, dublin. Patrick introduced books, along with christianity, to ireland. Dating back to the ninth century, this book is one of the finest illuminated manuscripts in the world and a key artifact of medieval history. Fully guided visit of th century dublin castle exterior and gardens. It is a richly decorated copy of the four gospels and portrays the life of jesus christ. The book of kells is one of the finest and most famous, and also one of the latest, of a group of manuscripts in what is known as the insular style, produced from the late 6th through the early 9th centuries in monasteries in ireland, scotland and england and in continental monasteries with hibernoscottish or anglosaxon foundations. Ireland and the book of kells history course futurelearn. Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin. The book of kells exhibition is located in the 18th century old library building in the heart of trinity college dublin.
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