Please sign in to post.

Has anyone visited the Book of Kells during the library redevelopment project?

I’m trying to decide whether to schedule a visit to see the Book of Kells during our time in Dublin. Has anyone visited since all the books were removed from the library? I imagine the library full of books would have been an amazing part of the experience. I’m not so sure about the immersive digital experience.

I visited Dublin once decades ago on a weekend trip while studying abroad in London. I cannot remember whether I saw the Book of Kells on that visit— yikes! (I do remember thick air pollution, a really fun youth hostel, and a wonderful night of Irish Music where the small group of us from the hostel were probably the only non locals. Like I said, Decades ago.)

We visited Dublin as a family 14 years ago, but skipped the Book of Kells because we were traveling with an 11 year old that time around. There’s a part of my brain telling me I can’t visit Dublin a third time without seeing the Book of Kells! But without books in the library????

Posted by
280 posts

We were there this past June and did the Book of Kells Experience. True, the books had been removed, but they did leave one shelf of books as a representation. Even without all of the books, I was still so impressed by the Long Room itself. I think it was worth it.

Posted by
540 posts

Yes we were there in Aug on a RS tour. At that time there was still plenty of books on shelves.
Not sure if that has changed now. The room is amazing and there was a globe sculpture at the end. I would recommend seeing it. There is still plenty to see.