The Book of Kells Experience

The Book of Kells Experience The Book of Kells and Old Library is a must-see on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin, Ireland. The Exhibition and gift shop are open 7 days a week.

The Book of Kells is Ireland's greatest cultural treasure and the world's most famous medieval manuscript. Visit the Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure. Tucked away in the magical Old Library of Trinity College Dublin sits one of Ireland’s most prized possessions just waiting to be discovered. The Book of Kells, a precious 9th century manuscript, is an exquisite combination of orn

ate Latin text and intricate illuminations. Discover how the world’s most famous medieval manuscript was made and about the rich symbolism behind it. You’ll also gain access to the Long Room, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries and home to 200,000 of Trinity College’s most ancient texts. A visit to Trinity is a journey through some of Ireland’s most iconic cultural heritage. Online booking is recommended. Find out more at www.bookofkellsexperience.ie

04/09/2026

Folios 7v – 8r, Gospel of Matthew are now on display in The Old Library at Trinity College Dublin. Take a moment to delve into the extraordinary details.

The Virgin and Child illustration in the Book of Kells (c.800) is the earliest known extant depiction of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus in Western manuscript art. Located on folio 7v, facing the Breves Causae of Matthew on folio 8r, it is the sole major representation of a woman in the entire manuscript.

The Breves Causae, customary in early medieval Gospel books, are lists of chapter contents. The Breves Causae of Matthew I-III open opposite the Virgin and Child page with a full-page announcement of Christ’s birth: NATIUITAS/CHRISTI IN BETHLEM IU/DEAE MAGI /MUNERA OFFERUNT ET /INFANTES INTER/FICIUNTUR REGRESSIO which translates to, ‘The birth of Christ in Bethlehem of Judea.

Tomorrow, the Book of Kells Experience is taking part in Dublin By Dusk , a citywide celebration of Dublin’s culture, ex...
29/07/2026

Tomorrow, the Book of Kells Experience is taking part in Dublin By Dusk , a citywide celebration of Dublin’s culture, experiences and nightlife.

Join us in the Old Library and make the Book of Kells part of your evening in Dublin. We’ll be open until 8pm.

Tickets are available via the link in our bio.

21/07/2026

Take a moment to explore the beautiful details of Folios 309v – 310r from the Gospel of John. Now on display in the Old Library The Book of Kells.

The two lions on the left-hand folio, whose life-giving breath is shown in the form of grapes, are key elements in this opening (John 6.42-57), which deals with the eucharist (a Christian sacrament in which bread and w**e are consecrated and consumed in remembrance of Jesus’s death). The lions frame the passage in which Jesus tells his doubtful listeners that whoever believes in him will have everlasting life: qui credit / in me habet uitam aeternam (lines 11-12).

The lions look across to the parallel passage on the facing folio, lines 10-13, to Jesus’s message: ‘He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day.’ A further celebration of the eucharist comes in line 17 on folio 309v, in the form of a calligraphic chalice and bunch of foliage, where the central stem may be wheat, a reference to the bread of life.

15/05/2026

Delve into the exquisite details of the beautiful Folio 284v from the Gospel of Luke. Now on display in The Old Library.

Address

The Book Of Kells Experience, Trinity College Dublin, College Green
Dublin

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4:30pm

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