TRINITY COLLEGE
AND THE BOOK OF KELLS
TRINITY
COLLEGE
AND THE
BOOK OF KELLS
POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Stepping through the cobbled squares of Trinity College, Dublin, you are immediately transported from the clamour of the city into a bastion of scholarly serenity. At the heart of this historic 16th-century campus lies The Book of Kells Experience, an absolute must-see that encapsulates Ireland’s golden age of monastic art.
The Book of Kells
The journey centres around this intricately illuminated 9th-century manuscript. Containing the four Gospels of the New Testament, it is globally renowned for its mesmerising, vibrantly coloured Celtic knotwork.
The Long Room
Above the manuscript lies the breathtaking 65-metre expanse of the Old Library's Long Room. Featuring a spectacular barrel-vaulted wooden ceiling, it normally houses 200,000 of the university’s oldest texts and is lined with striking marble busts of great philosophers and writers.
The Red Pavilion
A brilliantly curated new digital exhibition allows you to step directly into the manuscript's history, bringing the ancient pages to life through an immersive light and sound voyage.
Guided Tours and the Book of Kells Experience
The main courtyard and campus are free to access and wander around, however I thoroughly recommend booking a guided tour. You will be taken around by one of the university students who have lots of interesting history to tell, and they often share personal insights and anecdotes, plus you get to see some indoor areas that are not accessible otherwise. In addition to this, you can book the Book of Kells Experience which is a self-guided tour exploring the history of the ancient book, offering a close-up chance to view the manuscript and, the highlight for many visitors, entering the impressive Long Room in the Old Library which is truly spectacular.
General Information
Location
The University of Dublin Trinity College,
College Green,
South-East Inner City,
Dublin,
Ireland.
Accessibility
The Old Library and Red Pavilion are wheelchair accessible, though staff assistance is required to use the Old Library's ground-floor elevators. Please note that the upper level of the Long Room is not wheelchair accessible. Sensory backpacks are available upon request.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM.
Saturday: 9:30 AM until 5:00 PM.
Sunday: 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM.
Entry
FREE to the main courtyard and campus.
Guided tours and the Book of Kells Experience require pre-booking.
Parking
No parking available.
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