Old Library & Book of Kells
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Trinity College Old Library - by Diliff (CC BY-SA 4.0)




Description
The Old Library of Trinity College Dublin was designed by Thomas Burgh and built in the early 18th century. The main future of the imposing building is the Long Room holding over 200,000 of the library's oldest books, it is 65m long with an upper gallery and decorated with a collection of marble busts featuring famous scholars. Among the most precious items held there are the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, the Brian Boru harp (a national symbol of Ireland), and the Book of Kells from which several pages are displayed. Sometimes known as the Book of Columba, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin from the 9th century AD, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. It consists of 340 folios made of calf vellum.
Access & Transport
The Old Library in on the western side of the Trinity College complex. Several bus lines serve the area and the tram green line stops 150m away at 'Trinity' and 'Dawson'. There are no parking facilities on campus. By train, the Pearse and Tara Street station are about 400m away. Directions: https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/directions/
Instructions & Recommendations
*** The Old Library is currently undergoing a comprehensive maintenance, upgrade, and conservation exercise so that many shelves are temporarily empty. Details can be found on the website *** The audio tour is available from the Visit Trinity app. Advanced online booking are required and have specified time slots.
Environmental & Social
Low carbon footprint and the College has a comprehensive range of Sustainability initiatives: https://www.tcd.ie/sustainability/ Preserves the city and country's architectural and cultural heritages
Conclusion
The Old Library is truly impressive but that it is not often one is asked so much money to look at books, in fact it goes against the norm. That being said, book lovers should be ready to make an exception for this one... once the renovation/upgrade is completed. At the moment, we don't think the experience is that impressive.
Key positive
The Long Room is visually stunning
Historical aspects
Key negative
Expensive
Can be crowded
Temporary conservation works means many shelves are empty
Suitability
Wheelchair accessible. Suitable for all ages but better for those aged 12yrs and above will better appreciate what they see
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY08:30 - 19:00
TUESDAY08:30 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY08:30 - 19:00
THURSDAY08:30 - 19:00
FRIDAY08:30 - 19:00
SATURDAY08:30 - 19:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 18:30
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 17:00
TUESDAY09:30 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 17:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 17:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 17:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 17:00
SUNDAY12:00 - 16:30
Max total number:4
Max number of adults:2
Min.child age:6
Max.child age:17
Price for family€47