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Old Library & Book of Kells

College Green, Dublin, County Dublin

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.

Meta review

A visit of the Old Library is ranked as being among the highlights of Dublin according to travel guidebooks and many online reviewers. That being said they also note that it gets very crowded and that the tickets are expensive for such a short tour. The Book of Kells is deemed to be both interesting but not necessarily well laid out so it is the Long Room that used to be the real star of the show according to most reviewers who do not hesitate to qualify it as one of the most beautiful libraries they have ever seen - however the ongoing conservation exercise means most shelves are empty which draws the ire of many (even though it is clearly stated on the website).

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

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

Season 2

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

Pricing
Does not include access to the new digital experience
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
60 - 99
€16.5
Adult
18 - 59
€19
Teen & Young
13 - 17
€145
Child
6 - 12
€11
Infant
0 - 5
€0
Price for students is €16.5
Family price

Max total number:4

Max number of adults:2

Min.child age:6

Max.child age:17

Price for family€47

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