We took the audio self-guided tour. Make sure to bring your own earphones! I booked our tickets last minute and didn't realize earphones were necessary. Trying to listen to the audio tour on my phone against my ear was tricky; I kept turning it off accidentally and losing my spot. Despite that, the tour was fascinating and the library is truly impressive! While we were there, a restoration project for the Old Library was starting, and they shared insights on how they're cleaning, cataloging, and safely packing the old books. Learning about the Book of Kells was captivating, especially seeing it with all its vibrant colors.
Amanda O'Sullivan
Ireland
This was a wonderfully calm experience. There was a lot of variety to enjoy and I appreciated using my own phone for free audio about the different exhibits in the museum. It was lovely not having overcrowding. We had a tour booked at 4pm, but they allowed us in as soon as we arrived. There’s no ticket desk, so it's best to book in advance or you can purchase on your phone while you wait. Toilets are available, but you need to go to a different building, so visit there first!
A must-see when in Dublin! The craftsmanship in the woodwork is remarkable, showcasing the architecture beautifully. This historical library, built in 1707, is a stunning sight within Dublin College. Remember to buy tickets in advance as it's spread across two buildings: the library itself and the Long Room. The restoration of the books is a rare opportunity to witness. The ancient books here are captivating, and thinking about the scholars who once studied and met in this space is incredible. The Book of Kells originates from Scotland! It's truly amazing to feel transported back in time. Though it used to be only men in the Long Room, now there are prominent women in Science, Women’s Rights, Math, and Literature. The Red Exhibit building is the second part of the tour, so don't miss it—just a short walk into the courtyard. Tickets were $22.
I didn’t expect to enjoy this since it's not really my usual thing (went for my girlfriend). However, it was amazing! The experience was incredibly interesting and comprehensive. It's a fantastic blend of history and a multimedia showcase of information presented very well! Definitely worth doing—I’m glad I went!
Highly recommend! I may have realized I’m a closet history buff, but I find immense awe in such preserved history that’s available for us to see today. Witnessing the artwork on such an important historical piece is truly amazing to me.
I believe people tend to have high expectations from such exhibits today, especially with everything accessible at their fingertips. This sometimes leads to disappointment, as they already viewed much of it online and expect something different or more.
