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Chester Beatty Library

Guided Tours

Public tours - Wednesdays at 1 P.M. and Sundays at 3 and 4 P.M. It is strongly advised for groups more than five to book a guided tour; 
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Guidelines for Guided Tours

1. You can apply for a Guided tour using the form below. Bookings are not taken over the phone.

2. The Chester Beatty Library requires three weeks advance notification to book guides as they are volunteers.

3. Guided tours are limited to 15 maximum people per tour, e.g. school groups of 30 can be split into two groups of 15. Public tours are available on Wednesdays & Sundays.  These are specifically for the general public.  It is advisable to book a private tour for groups more than 5.

4. Primary, post-primary schools groups are free.  Adult groups €3.00 per head. There is a discount for OAPs, adult education and third level groups of €2.00 per head.  Evening/Private events groups of up to 10 people €50, groups of up to 50 people €150 and groups of up to 100 people €250. Private tours with Library Curators fee €150 (depending on availability), talks with Head of Education €150 made payable to CBL.

5. Payment for tours can be made through our gift shop however please notify Education, prior to your arrival if you would like to be issued a receipt.  Contact details Jenny Siung at jsiung@cbl.ie tel: 4070775 or Justyna Chmielewska, Volunteer Coordinator jchmielewska@cbl.ie  tel: 4070772

6. Groups must be supervised in the Chester Beatty Library and Dublin Castle grounds at all times.  This is to comply with our Child Protection Policy.

7. Tours last approximately 1 hour from the scheduled booked time of the tour.  Please be punctual as guides are booked for an 1 hour duration.

8. On your arrival to the Library, please announce your group at the reception desk.  Your guide will meet you there to commence the tour.

9. Special note for schools: the Library does not provide space for eating lunches.  There is a café within the museum for the general public.

Please note: if you wish to cancel a tour, please contact the Library.  Cancellation fees apply: 1 group at €50, 2 groups at €100 will be charged for failure to give 24 hours advance notice of cancellations.  To cancel please contact the Library by phone.