We have taken several Context tours in several cities. The ones in the UK have been far and away the best, and of those, our time with Kevin was outstanding. He was so kind and so truly interested in the subject matter. Just the best.
Dublin Art Tour: Gallery, Myth and Kells
Connect Irish art, mythology, and manuscript traditions
The Finer Details
Please note guiding is not permitted inside the Book of Kells exhibition. Your tour will give you context and insights to prepare for your visit. Tickets are included to enjoy the exhibition independently afterward.
Your tour starts with a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland, home to one of Dublin’s finest collections of Irish and European art. Here you’ll begin to explore Irish culture and history through the nation’s artistic output. You may view paintings covering Irish mythology, the peasantry of the nineteenth century and the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in the twelfth century.
Your tour starts with a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland, home to one of Dublin’s finest collections of Irish and European art. Here you’ll begin to explore Irish culture and history through the nation’s artistic output. You may view paintings covering Irish mythology, the peasantry of the nineteenth century and the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in the twelfth century.
Next, you’ll walk the short distance to the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, where you’ll delve deeper into Celtic culture and mythology. You’ll learn about the Tuatha dé Dannan, a mythical race of people from early Irish literature that brought four magical items to Ireland from cities—since disappeared in the Northern Ocean. Your guide will help the museum’s objects come to life through stories of this and other myths integral to Irish culture.
All of these discussions will prepare you well for a visit to one of Dublin’s greatest treasures: the Book of Kells. After your time in the Archaeology museum, your expert will walk you over to Trinity College, sharing stories about the Book of Kells and the famed Long Library along the way.
Your expert will hand over your tickets to the Book of Kells, giving you some pointers on particular things to look out for on your independent visit. Your time with your guide will come to an end as you make your way into the exhibition, armed with newfound knowledge about Irish culture and mythology that will enhance your visit.
After major renovation works, a new digital experience has been inaugurated: The Book of Kells Experience will amaze you with its immersive video illustrations and audio-themed accompaniment. It's an extraordinary voyage that will guide you through the ancient masterpiece's history.
Caution: Book of Kells 360 content contains imagery and moving video that may cause discomfort for those who are sensitive to light or motion or have epilepsy.
After major renovation works, a new digital experience has been inaugurated: The Book of Kells Experience will amaze you with its immersive video illustrations and audio-themed accompaniment. It's an extraordinary voyage that will guide you through the ancient masterpiece's history.
Caution: Book of Kells 360 content contains imagery and moving video that may cause discomfort for those who are sensitive to light or motion or have epilepsy.
Choose this tour if...
- You're seeking to explore Dublin’s cultural offerings from the medieval to the modern periods
- You wish to enhance your visit to the Book of Kells exhibition with an insightful discussion about the manuscript and its place in Irish history and culture beforehand
Sites Visited
- National Gallery of Ireland - the home of Ireland’s national collection of Irish and European art, including masterpieces from artists such as Jack B. Yeats
- National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology - a museum specializing in Irish antiquities dating from the Stone Age to the Late Middle Ages
- Book of Kells - an illuminated manuscript and Celtic Gospel book in Latin, famous for the intricacy, detail, and majesty of the illustrations
Logistics
Tickets
- Includes tickets to the Book of Kells exhibition, for you to visit independently at the end of your tour
General Information
- There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities, as well as opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility
- The National Gallery of Ireland and the Book of Kells exhibition are wheelchair accessible
- The ground floor of the National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology is accessible, but there is no lift to the first floor
Frequently Asked Questions
- For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
- Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Will we visit the Book of Kells exhibition with our guide?
No, guiding is not allowed at the Book of Kells exhibition, due to the crowding there. The clients will visit independently after the tour, and the content of the tour will prepare them well for their visit.
Will we get to visit the Long Library?
Yes, this will be part of their independent visit to the Book of Kells exhibition. A redevelopment project is currently (from summer 2023) taking place at the Long Library, meaning that all the books have been removed from the shelves. In November 2023, the Book of Kells will be moved to a separate exhibition space, but the Long Library will remain open for visitors (albeit with no books on the shelves).
Does this tour include Trinity College?
We will walk through Trinity College to access the Book of Kells exhibition. Please note that guiding is not allowed on campus nor at the Book of Kells exhibition. We will provide explanations before the walk-through.
No, guiding is not allowed at the Book of Kells exhibition, due to the crowding there. The clients will visit independently after the tour, and the content of the tour will prepare them well for their visit.
Will we get to visit the Long Library?
Yes, this will be part of their independent visit to the Book of Kells exhibition. A redevelopment project is currently (from summer 2023) taking place at the Long Library, meaning that all the books have been removed from the shelves. In November 2023, the Book of Kells will be moved to a separate exhibition space, but the Long Library will remain open for visitors (albeit with no books on the shelves).
Does this tour include Trinity College?
We will walk through Trinity College to access the Book of Kells exhibition. Please note that guiding is not allowed on campus nor at the Book of Kells exhibition. We will provide explanations before the walk-through.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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National Museum of Ireland - ArchaeologyArtifacts revealing Ireland’s cultural identity
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Book of Kells
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National Gallery of Ireland
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
We loved our guide Jen. She was engaging, fun and so knowledgeable. Wish we could spend more together. Brilliant!
Catherine was fantastic. Taught us so much history and has a wonderful sense of humor. We would recommend her to anyone!
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
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