Photos: Sixflashphoto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 William Murphy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 Alicia Fagerving, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo credits
Photos: Sixflashphoto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 William Murphy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 Alicia Fagerving, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Chester Beatty Library's garden terrace
Your local guide
Colm Whelan
View profile
Highlights
- A rooftop garden above rare manuscripts
- A modern library in a historic castle
- The Dubh Linn garden from below
- Quiet counterpoint to a major collection
- Context before a gallery visit
About this tour
This session looks at a library holding one of the world's great manuscript collections, seen from its rooftop garden and the historic castle grounds around it rather than the ticketed galleries inside. You see the garden's design and how the modern building sits within the older castle complex. It stays outdoors, moving at a relaxed pace between the two viewpoints.
After a short sound check on the terrace, I explain the garden's design before moving down to the castle garden to see the building from below. I take questions live and send a short note afterwards on the collection inside for anyone who wants to visit further.
It suits anyone interested in architecture and quiet garden spaces, and anyone deciding whether to visit the collection itself.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Dublin before heading out.
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The garden terrace 15 min
The camera takes in the rooftop garden above the library, and I explain how the space was designed as a quiet counterpoint to the manuscripts and art held inside.
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The library building from the castle garden 15 min
You see the library's modern extension from the Dubh Linn garden below, and I point out how the building was fitted into the historic castle grounds.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Dublin: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Seafood chowder and The Liberties, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Dublin time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 8 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Dublin, showing you The garden terrace and The library building from the castle garden live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need any background in art?
No. The guide explains what matters as you go, whatever you already know or do not.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk the castle grounds live with my phone.
Times shown in Dublin time (GMT)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Tue 27 Oct · 8 seats left From 19,00 €
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