An impressive library with history

One of the top tourist attractions in Dublin is Trinity College, the oldest and most famous educational institute in Ireland. One of the beautiful buildings houses the impressive library. The world famous ‘Book of Kells’ is one of the books on display here.

Arts & Culture
The ‘Long Room’ in the Trinity Library

The ‘Long Room’ in the Trinity Library

More than 4.5 million books

The most impressive room in the Trinity Library is the Old Library, also referred to as the Long Room. Here you will find a 65-metre-long corridor with huge bookcases packed with over 200,000 books. The entire library holds more than 4.5 million books. Since 1801, the library receives a copy of every book that is published in Great Britain and Ireland, so the collection continues to grow daily. There are also lectures, poetry readings, art exhibits and workshops. Admission to the Trinity College Library is free.

Centuries-old books at Trinity College

Centuries-old books at Trinity College

800-year-old book

The most famous book in the library is the ‘Book of Kells’, a manuscript of 4 ornately illustrated books encrusted with gems, written by Celtic monks in the 9th century. The book contains the 4 gospels. Originally it was one book, made on an island off the Scottish coast. After an attack on the island, residents fled to Ireland with the book. In 1953, the ‘Book of Kells’ was bound in 4 parts, 2 of which are displayed at the library. The exhibit provides more information on the illustrations, conservation efforts and the history of the book. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to photograph the book.

The bell tower at Trinity College

The bell tower at Trinity College

Statues, gardens and church bells

Located on the Liffey River, the university boasts numerous other impressive buildings besides the library. The entrance to the main building (Regent House) is a long garden decorated with statues of poet Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) and philosopher Edmund Burke (1729-1797), who both studied here. The 30-metre-high bell tower, the Campanile, stands on Front Square. The bells only tolled on 2 occasions: meals and exams. Behind the tower stands a building with red brick that used to house students in the 18th and 19th centuries. Trinity College also has a modern wing that accommodates the Douglas Hyde Gallery of Modern Art. Here you can watch an interesting 45-minute video on the history of Dublin. The university also has rugby and cricket fields that are both open to the public.

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