The Book of Kells Experience recently achieved AsIAm Autism Friendly Accreditation and we are making inclusivity and accessibility a priority on this guided tour of the Old Library building. A small-group guided tour (limited to just 10 people) will enhance comfort in this otherwise busy and crowded building and a quiet room will be available for those who may need a break. Sensory backpacks will be available to borrow for the duration of the visit and our online visual guide may be used to prepare in advance if visitors so wish. It may be accessed here: https://www.visittrinity.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Visual-Guide-Bokex.pdf?_gl=1*w3rbhy*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTk5NzI1MDM2LjE3ODg5NTIyMDY.*_ga_NZKZL9ENYK*czE3ODg5NTIyMDUkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODg5NTIyNDkkajE2JGwwJGgxMjUwMTk4MjIx

The tour will feature an overview of the Old Library Redevelopment Project. It will explore the initiatives underway to ensure accessibility to the collections in the Long Room for all, including the Virtual Trinity Library. Having recently been named Europe’s Leading Academic Tourist Attraction at the 2025 World Travel Awards, we will also look at the duality of the Old Library’s identity both as a working library and a cultural tourist destination.

After the 40-minute guided tour of the Old Library building, you will have the option of continuing on to the new Red Pavilion building (a 2 minute walk away) which is our digital exhibition with audio-visual material to explore, including a 360° immersive experience.

Meeting Point: Front entrance of the Old Library building, The Book of Kells Experience, The Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin 2, D02 PN40. When you arrive at the entrance to the Old Library, a staff member will show you to the reception area where the tour will start from.

Pre-Book Only

Wheelchair accessible
Assistance Dogs welcome
Audio guide
Sensory Rooms (designated areas that individuals with sensory issues can use to retreat to when feeling overstimulated)
Prams/buggies permitted

The tour will begin on the ground floor of the Old Library building, proceeding to the first floor.  We will access the first floor via a flight of stairs and there is also a small lift which can accommodate one wheelchair or buggy at a time. To use the lift, please ask a Library Guard for assistance.

There are cobblestones on the grounds of Trinity College which you will pass through on the way to the Old Library but there are also footpaths for easier access. There are three steps at the main door of the Old Library and there is also a ramp.

The Treasury (the room where the Book of Kells is displayed) is low lit with some spotlights.

There are a small number of seats in the welcome area on the ground floor of the Old Library and there are some wooden benches in the Long Room on the first floor.

The Red Pavilion building is all on one level and has accessible toilets. There are no toilets in the Old Library building and the closest ones are in the Arts Building, directly opposite the Old Library.