Trinity College
on College St., Dublin 2.
Founded in the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I, Ireland’s oldest university is situated on the south bank of the River Liffey. Classical and contemporary buildings adorn this busy campus, whose alumni include Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett.
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| entrance to Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland |
●The Book of Kells
+1 353 896 2320. Hours vary seasonally. €9.
It seems everyone wants to see this ornate illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the New Testament. Dating from the Middle Ages—the 9th century--it was hand-painted and hand-written in Latin by Celtic monks. Expect a long line. You might be surprised, as I was, to discover that it is relatively small (11 inches by 15 inches) and written on calfskin. What makes it especially noteworthy is simply that it survives. Since 2013, you can see the entire Book of Kells online.
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| line for The Book of Kells in Dublin, Ireland |
●Old Library
After, continue upstairs to see the Long Room, one of Ireland’s oldest libraries. It measures 213 feet long by 2 stories high and has a barrel-vaulted ceiling, and its floor-to-ceiling oak-wood bookshelves hold more than 200,000 rare books. An additional claim to fame is that it is seen in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
●From late May through September you can spend the night on the Trinity College campus.
More things to do in Dublin.
More information about Ireland.
top two images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
bottom image ©2014 Gene Meyers
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| interior of Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland |
●From late May through September you can spend the night on the Trinity College campus.
More things to do in Dublin.
More information about Ireland.
More ideas for exploring Europe.
top two images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
bottom image ©2014 Gene Meyers
We visited Trinity College on a trip to Dublin two years ago. We had a tour of the campus that included entrance to the Book of Kells Museum. I liked that it had a lot of explanation about illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages in general. We also went on a history walking tour of Dublin with a Trinity history Ph.D.
ReplyDeleteAll those people queuing to see a book? It always fascinates me when I see queues like that - how many are there because they are genuinely interested in books or medieval illuminations, and how many are there because they think they "should" see it?
ReplyDeleteGood point. But I don't think it matters, because everyone comes out "illuminated"/enlightened. :)
DeleteWe didn't have enough time in Dublin. Would love to see the Book of Kells and a few other things there.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to see the Book of Kells. I've spent hours in the manuscript room of the British Museum. Seeing the original "Alice in Wonderland" -- my favorite childhood book, was spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI've been to the manuscript room at the British Museum, too. Fabulous.
DeleteHow fortunate that you were able to view this ancient writing. I'm also amazed that it was written on such a small piece of leather.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was expecting BIG.
DeleteSomeplace new to add to my ever-growing "must see" list. First I have to make it to Ireland though, but one day. There's always so many places to go!
ReplyDeleteHope I get the opportunity to visit Dublin. Looks so rich in history~
ReplyDeleteDublin is a very beautiful city where you can visit many interesting places. When I was there I loved that there were so many green spaces. It is a cultural city worth seeing!
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