Using a backstory which includes wineries, vikings and remote scottish islands, the book of kells can depart the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the cobbled stones of trinity college dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent old library building was constructed and which displays the book of kells. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin 2020 all. The old library at trinity college in dublin where the book of kells exhibit permanently lives by christa thompson 20 it is a masterwork of western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of insular illumination. As a precautionary measure to minimise the spread of covid19, the book of kells and old library exhibition will temporarily close until further notice. Restaurants near the book of kells and the old library. Seeing the hundreds of historic books on the bookshelves in the library is truly amazing. The old library of trinity college dublin contains approximately 200000 of its oldest books in an array of oak bookcases dating from the 18th century and in the. Talks last 1520 minutes and are free for ticket holders to the book of kells exhibition as well as trinity college students and staff. Book of kells removed from public display through march. Visit the book of kells and the old library exhibition on. But it wasnt just forces of nature with which the monks had to contend.
Like any college campus, trinity college located south of the liffey in central. The book is on permanent display at trinity college library in dublin. Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the. Housed within the old library building, the book of kells is a precious 9th century manuscript, featuring an exquisite combination of ornate latin text and intricate illuminations. Trinity college old library and book of kells exhibition heritage. At the ends of each row of bookshelves are busts of famous literary geniuses. Its regarded as one of the greatest cultural treasures of ireland and described by some as the most famous manuscript in the world. The book of kells, tucked away in the magical old library of trinity college dublin sits one of irelands most prized possessions just waiting to be discovered the book of kells, a precious 9 th century. The two ways to avoid paying the 10 fee to see the books of kells are as follows to see the book of kells and the old library for half price, visit 30 minutes before the library closes. A visit to the book of kells is included and your students will gain valuable insight in the history of the college and the significance of the book of kells. Two volumes are on public view, one opened to display a major decorated page, and one to show two pages of script. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four gospels of the life of jesus christ. I am doing some research into ticket options for trinity collegebook of kells on their website. The magnificent old library built in the 18th century houses the book of kells a 9thcentury.
The old library and the book of kells ask about ireland. The book of kells is by far the library s most famous book and is located in the old library, along with the book of durrow, the. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin. The book of kells is located in the old library, along with the book of durrow, the book of howth and other ancient texts. We found the long room to be as interesting as the book of kells itself. Trinity college dublins old library and book of kells youtube. Bicycles at trinity college, dublin how to see the book of kells for half price or free. Visit trinity college dublin and the book of kells exhibition. Trinity closes off book of kells and other tourist spots. Sep 12, 2019 the ticket to the book of kells exhibit also includes access to the long room in the old library.
Please note the exhibition is temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to minimise the spread of. The book of kells has been on display in the old library at trinity college dublin from the mid19th century, and attracts over 500,000 visitors a year. The book of kells, tucked away in the magical old library of trinity college dublin sits one of irelands most prized possessions just waiting to be discovered. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin trinity college. Apr 7, 2020 the book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. The book of kells and the old library exhibition, dublin. Maybe it seems unusual to visit a dusty old library on vacation. The rich history of trinity college dublin makes for compelling reading. Since 1953, the book of kells has been bound in four volumes.
You will also be able to visit the long room the main chamber of the old library, see the oldest harp in ireland and also one of the copies of the 1916 proclamation of the. Welcome to the old library and the book of kells exhibition within historic trinity college dublin. It has been on display in the old library at trinity college from the mid 19th. Trinity college is located in the centre of dublin, ireland, on college green opposite the former irish houses of parliament. Book of kells and old library in dublin attraction. The old library the library of trinity college dublin trinity. The book of kells, tucked away in the magical old library of trinity college dublin sits one of irelands most prized possessions just waiting to be discovered the book of kells, a precious 9 th century manuscript, is an exquisite combination of ornate latin text and intricate illuminations. The book of kells museum explains so much about the book and then to go upstairs to the old library and smell the antiquity of it was inspiring.
The old library the library of trinity college dublin. Dec 17, 20 the old library at trinity college in dublin where the book of kells exhibit permanently lives by christa thompson 20 it is a masterwork of western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of insular illumination. Trinity college dublin, the university of dublin trinity search your query search collection visitors and book of kells all trinity undergraduate courses postgraduate courses staff az of trinity areas trinity maps research expertise library stella catalogue library. Built between 1712 and 1732, the long room at trinity colleges old library holds the collections 200,000 oldest books. Confusion over trinity collegebook of kells tours dublin. My colleague who was to fly in from the us arrived later than expected because of a delayed flight, so i took the chance to visit the book of kells exhibition and the old library in trinity college. Book your tickets online for the book of kells and the old library exhibition, dublin.
No book evokes such passion amongst art lovers as the 9th century illuminated manuscript known as the book of kells. The book of kells contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin translation. The book of kells and the old library are located in the heart of dublin city, in trinity college dublin. Two of these volumes are on display at trinity college. Also incorporating the long room, the old library is one of irelands biggest tourist attractions, and holds thousands of rare, and in many cases very early, volumes. Although some visitors complained of crowds in the library, most agreed the book of kells is a mustsee. Nov 05, 2015 the book has been on display in trinity colleges old library since the middle of the nineteenth century and attracts an average of 500,000 visitors each year. Of all the books at the old library, the most famous and priceless one is the book of kells. The book of kells trinity college dublin ms 58 contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin translation.
Instead, the highlight for me was getting to see trinity college librarys magnificent, librarylustinducing long room. Trinity college dublin has closed off the book of kells exhibition as well as other tourist attractions in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus. It was created in a columban monastery in either britain or ireland and may have had. Trinity college dublins old library and book of kells. The old library of trinity college dublin, dublin, ireland. Whether a rousing account of the history of women in the college, or a lushly illustrated coffee table edition, trinity s book collection will both exhilarate and delight. Old library, which is a part of trinity college, is the largest library in ireland and is most famous for being home to the famous book of kells, an illuminated manuscript of a gospel book.
Located in the heart of the city centre in trinity college dublin, the exhibition displays the book of kells, a. Among the things which people love about ireland is that nearly anyplace you see there is something unexpected. Dublin tourism dublin hotels dublin bed and breakfast. The book of kells trinity college dublin ms 58 contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin. As part of ongoing conservation and preservation plans for the old library of trinity college dublin, the display area for the book of kells is undergoing necessary works, which will require. Dec 31, 2008 trinity is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the most beautiful, with its imposing buildings and leafy grounds in the heart of dublin city. Jun 18, 2018 considered to be irelands greatest national treasure, the book of kells isnt the only treasure youll find in the old library, however. Trinity college old library and book of kells exhibition. Visiting the long room at trinity college library in dublin. Seeing the book of kells in dublin changes in longitude. The book of kells is one of irelands most celebrated national treasures. Inside is housed the book of kells a 9thcentury gospel manuscript. Book of kells and old library in dublin attraction frommers.
From 1pm on tuesday, march 10, trinity closed off the book of kells exhibition and old library. The old library and the book of kells exhibition avea. The book of kells in the old library at trinity college. View all attractions near trinity college dublin on tripadvisor. The college has also announced that all lectures are to take place online for the rest of the semester april 10. The library usually displays two of the current four volumes at a time, one showing a major illustration and other showing. Trinity is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the most beautiful, with its imposing buildings and leafy grounds in the heart of dublin city. This decision has been made to protect the health and safety of our visitors and the university community. The old library and the book of kells are so worth visiting for their history and art. You enter a room with large poster size copies of the book of kells and videos explaining more about it. The old library of trinity college and the long room, its main chamber, is interesting both for its architecture and the treasures is contains. The old library book of kells exhibition dublin visitor. But because my dad was a dusty old librarian himself it doesnt seem odd to me at all, particularly when its the old library at trinity college in dublin. Most people visit primarily to see the famous book of kells, just one of a wonderful collection of precious books in the old library.
The old library and the book of kells exhibition is a must see on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. Trinity college dublin is the oldest university in ireland, founded. The long room library at trinity college dublin, ireland. Book of kells and old library at trinity college travel blog. Trinity college is home to the famous book of kells.
One of irelands major cultural and artistic treasures, the book of kells and the old library exhibition counts among the oldest texts in the world, dated to the 9th century. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket desk within the exhibition. The most famous of all is the book of kells, which is at the center of am exhibition hosted in the same building as the library. Trinity college dublin 2020 all you need to know before. The book of kells trinity college dublin ms 58 contains the four gospels in latin. Visit trinitys 18th century old library to view the lavishly decorated 9th century book of kells, in the heart of dublin city. Trinity college dublin, the university of dublin trinity search your query search collection visitors and book of kells all trinity undergraduate courses postgraduate courses staff az of trinity areas trinity maps research expertise library stella catalogue library classic catalogue tara research archive news events. The book of kells exhibition welcome to the old library and the book of kells a must see on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. For a long time, the blues in the book of kells have been thought include ultramarine blue, which comes from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. A trip to trinity college to see the extraordinary book of kells has so much more to offer than the chance to see the book itself. This place is an absolute mustsee for people interested in ancient books, journals and manuscripts. Talks on preservation activities in the old library take place monday to friday in the long room at 3pm. The book of kells will be removed from public display until march to accommodate for conservation works at trinity college s old library in dublin.
You will also be able to visit the long room the main chamber of the old library. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin. Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the cobbled stones of trinity college dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent old library building was constructed. The book of kells exhibition is located in the 18th century old library building in the heart of trinity college dublin. Using a backstory which includes wineries, vikings and remote scottish islands, the book of kells. The document dates from 800ad and contains the four gospels of the new testament, and it is hosted in the old library of trinity college dublin, the longest single. This illustrated version of the gospels was created around a. Book of kells old library trinity college a must see.
Located in the heart of dublin city, a walk through the cobbled stones of trinity college dublin will. However, a team of trinity researchers discovered the pigment was produced from a flowering plant known as woad, which was cultivated in ireland around the time the book of kells was created. Take your group on the guided walking tour of trinity college campus with authenticity tours. This manuscript is the most exceptional example of insular art in existence and. Buy tickets to trinity college old library and book of kells exhibition.
College green trinity college dublin, dublin 2 ireland. The grand chained library holds many rare works on irish history and presents frequently changing displays of classic works. This manuscript is the most exceptional example of insular art in existence and encapsulates the unique skill and artistic direction developed in the british isles after the decline of the roman empire. Welcome to the old library and the book of kells a must see on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin. Visit the 18th century old library at trinity college, in the heart of dublin city, to view the lavishly decorated 9th century book of kells.
Fasttrack easy access book of kells tour with dublin castle 559. The book of kells is located in the old library building, on the south side of library square, inside trinity college. The book of kells sits in a darkened room encased in protective glass in the old library here at trinity college. Its regarded as one of the greatest cultural treasures of ireland and described by some as the. Restaurants near the book of kells and the old library exhibition, dublin on tripadvisor. The old library book of kells exhibition dublin visitor centre. One of the most interesting rooms in the library is its long room which houses the oldest books.
The monastery, like many early christian communities, came under the threat of viking raids. The book of kells and the old library e although the only things are books to watch, knowing the age and history of them, put goose skin on me. Trinity college dublin is the oldest university in ireland, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i and famous for its graduates such as swift, goldsmith, wilde and beckett. Tickets are instant, flexible, guaranteed best value and valid for up to 365 days. The book of kells came to trinity college in dublin in 1661, for. How to see dublins book of kells for free or half price. The book of kells is located in the old library building, on the south side of library square, inside trinity colleges main campus. Dec 10, 2010 welcome to the old library and the book of kells exhibition within historic trinity college dublin.
A walk through trinity college and the book of kells will bring you back to the 18 th century, when the maginificent old library building was constructed. Written on vellum and containing a latin text of the gospels, it is one of the most popular sights in dublin. In late september a business meeting took me to dublin. The library at trinity college, dublin displays a different page from the book of kells each day image credit.
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