Given the crowds and the short time allowed for viewing the Book of Kells would a visitor be able to get more from"value" from a visit to the Chester Beatty Library than the Book of Kells? As I understand it, the Beatty Library also has a number of ancient sacred texts, although perhaps not in as good a condition.
There are a lot of sights in Dublin that I would like to see at a leisurely pace.
Thanks for any insight you can provide.
Karen
The guided tour of the University (about 30 mins) used to get you to jump the queue at the Book of Kells, and has some interest in itself. Check this is still the case though!
If you must choose, my vote goes to Chester Beatty Library. We had a thoroughly enjoyable and leisurely visit there - spending about two hours perusing the fascinating collection and enjoying the cafe, virtually alone. It was a highlight of Dublin for me. Viewing the Book of Kells required shuffling through a long line and not getting a really great view once we arrived at the display so it was a bit of a letdown- although still memorable and I loved the Trinity Library.
Try to see the Archeological Museum if you can and pay a visit to the bog people. I loved Dublin!
The archaeology museum is one of my "musts" and I will be going to Newgrange too. I'm also planning on a trip to Kilmainham Gaol.
Since I have bad knees and some arthritis I am trying to limit the amount of walking I do so I may not take the Trinity College tour. I will have a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket so I can skip walking between some of the sights, I hope. I also want to spend some time wandering around Steven's Green, Grafton Street and Temple Bar on foot.
Thanks for the advice. It's very helpful.
check out the famine statues on the quay.....your hop off buss probably goes there....haunting installation of statues....
Totally agree with drspoon. Sure, Book of Kells is interesting and has the "name". But the Chester Beatty Library has a huge collection of books, scrolls and manuscripts from all over the world. Many are just as historical and beautiful as Kells. And there's no crowds despite the recommendation in the RS book. And yes, the Archeological Museum is a must see. Who knew that the ancient Celts had gold jewelry to rival the ancient Egyptians? Makes you think even more about Knowth/Newgrange vs. the pyramids. Enjoy.
kbart, Grafton Street is jam packed with people most of the day. Not an easy street to stroll. A brisk pace is 10 minutes from one end to the other. Visited Newgrange this week and it was wonderful but be aware it requires lots of walking and some paths have loose pebbles. You will be less stressed if you can allow extra time than recommended by tour guide. There is a nice eatery at the visitor center where you can rest and another rest area where you get on small bus for transport from visitor center to the actual site. Glad I saw Newgrange; it was a favorite of the day.
I totally agree with the other posters in regards to NewGrange and K. Gaol. However I did enjoy the display of the Book of Kells. I found the displays that demonstrated the technical aspects of how the book was made very interesting. We found the entire exhibit interesting than we had thought. and I would recommend it. I do have to state that we were there in mid-September and went to the library late in the day near closing. While we experienced a short line, it was not too bad and moved rather quickly. We did not visit the Chester Beatty Library, so I cannot make any sort of comparisons.
The Chester Beatty Library is not to be missed! Brilliant early papyri, including the earliest papyrus of Paul's Letter to the Corinthians. Lots of East Asian sacred texts, too! If you want to see the earliest Irish manuscript in existence, you can arrange with the the Royal Irish Academy (near Grafton St) to see the Psalter of St Columba (Cathach of St Columcille). Write to them as in advance, and they may put it in a display case for you. The RIA is not generally open to the public, but they will do this by special request for free! Bring them flowers!
If you like make the Hop On Hop Off bus tour the first thing you do, that way you get a great overview of the city and a good sense of what you would like to see. The Book of Kells is worth seeing and I really enjoyed the Trinity College tour (led by a lovely young student who looked just like Harry Potter!) Dublin Castle is definitely worth it and Christchurch Cathedral is magnificent (you can go into the crypt which was an amazing experience).
Dublin is a wonderful, lively, engaging city and you will love strolling around it!
Cheers
Jo
