One of Dublin's finest attractions is the Trinity College. A visit to the Book of Kells exhibition at the Old Library is a journey through some of Ireland’s most iconic cultural heritage. Discover the world's most famous medieval manuscript and explore one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

The Old Library, at Trinity College Dublin,  contains over 5 million books including 30,000 current collections of manuscripts, maps, and printed music; it also includes many volumes such as the book of Durrow, the book of Howth and other very ancient texts. The famous Book of Kells is located in the Old Library and was written around the year 800 AD. It is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, each day a page in the book is turned.

Trinity College is Ireland's most famous and oldest University, it is located at College Green in the heart of Dublin city centre. The college was founded in 1592 when a small group of citizens received a charter from Queen Elizabeth to find a University. It's the alma mater to the likes of Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett. 

Constructions began to take place by workmen and fellow students with then consisted of one small square but during the 15th century the community increased, in the late 17th century; Ireland entered a period of great turmoil, which disrupted college life, all the teachers and students were expelled and the college was converted into a barracks for James II’s soldiers.

The 18th Century was more peaceful so they began rebuilding the college as the Library began being built in 1712 then later the printing house, the dining hall, then Parliament Square and Botany Bay. The majority of Irelands finest sons graduated from Trinity College such as Jonathan Swift, George Berkeley, Edmund Burke, Oliver Goldsmith, Henry Grattan and the famous Wolfe Tone.

Trinity College is not only a working university it is also open to all. You can walk around the grounds while students attend their daily lectures and you may also visit the Old Library and Book of Kells exhibition. Nothing can prepare you for the towering oak-shelved 18th-century library and you may have seen many of famous celebrity or dignitary having their photo taken there. 

Opening Hours:
May to Sept
Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm
Sunday 9.30am to 5.00pm

Oct to April
Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm
Sunday 12am to 4.30pm

Tickets from €18
Children Under 12 are Free

Location:
Trinity College,
College Green,
D02 PN40

Trinity College is located 15 minute walk from the Castle Hotel.
Public transport can also be taken. Our front desk team will be able to guide you on these.