Hello, I just tried to book tickets for the Trinity College Library and Book of Kells for the week of April 1 and it only shows January. Is this something I need to check back in a month before? Also, bringing 3 teens for this trip. Is this something teens would enjoy, or should we spend our time elsewhere.
Posted by
Washington, DC
888 posts
I wanted to piggy back on this topic if possible. I understand that there are renovations underway, and it is rather difficult to decipher based on online searches how the visit would be different given the years long renovation. Would the visit be the same with the exception that all the books from the Long Room are gone? This seems to be the only difference I see and it would be great to hear from those who have recently been or are in the know, however, it does not appear that one can book this any longer. The only booking option appears to be Book of Kells Experience with very little description of what it is, and that makes me think that one is not booking for what the previous sight had to offer bur rather a virtual experience of sorts and there is no longer an option to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8882 posts
The Book of Kells itself is lovely, but the experience of viewing it is a bit underwhelming. It is opened to a particular page and located in a special sealed exhibit table to protect it. People crowd around the table to view the open page.
I personally would skip it, particularly with 3 teens. Spending your time elsewhere would be my vote.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
We were not that much impressed with viewing the book several years ago. Unless you have already decided I would highly recommend Kilmainhaim Gaol. I think is still my highlight of Dublin and have been there three times. You must book tickets now I believe. We have been super lucky just. walking in without them even with a group of nine of us but we have always been there off season. Once with our teens and they really enjoyed it. Have fun.
Posted by
WI
370 posts
Agreed with the others - this is probably not something I would do again with our kids as it is somewhat anticlimactic. I would focus your time elsewhere.
For example, I don't know if you have time, but our kids enjoyed a day out of Dublin on local public transport to Malahide just north of Dublin. It's a short trip and there's a lovely castle and gardens there, which are walking distance from the train station. I think you could do this as a half-day trip and it's young person / kid friendly.