Hilary K.
Google
If you like history and architecture, I definitely recommend this tour as we saw the beautiful exterior and interior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and fascinating Book of Kells inside Trinity College. For the former, we learned about the Celtic origins of the original cathedral, its various iterations, owners, and purposes as well as famous figures connected to the cathedral, which is affiliated with the Church of Ireland , NOT the Roman Catholic Church. Regarding the Book of Kells, participants get to view two pages of the actual historical book, which was taken by monks to various locations to keep it from being stolen. Its intricately drawn illustrations and calligraphy, as well as many historical documents such as centuries-old maps inside “the library”, were a marvel. Audio-visual displays helped to explain and view more closely the detailed illustrations of this gorgeous ancient book. Participants should know that for Dublin Castle, you will only see the exterior. Though pretty in what still remains standing, the Castle was the least interesting aspect of this tour.
Our guide, Neil M., was very knowledgeable about history and architecture. Neil was engaging, witty, and funny. He kept us moving along but not rushed so as not to miss out on seeing everything. He did speak rather rapidly, but by concentrating on the stories and information he was relaying, I gained a lot of knowledge in a short period of time.
This tour met in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in the park. I would have appreciated the guide having some sort of flag or sign indicating the tour name or company. I was confused re: precisely where the group was meeting.
