Located right bang in the middle of the city centre, Trinity College Dublin is one of the city’s most famous and popular attractions. Trinity is a university of over 16,000 students. It is regarded as Irelands’ premier educational institution, and can count many famous alumni as part of its heritage and history.
Brief History of Trinity College
Founded in 1592 it’s Irelands’ oldest university and originally very much for those of the Protestant persuasion. Though now that connection is largely a thing of the past. Women were first admitted to the college in 1904. You will find Trinity on College Green – in the heart of the city and is easily accessible.
It was in the 1970’s that real growth in student numbers began. This arose from increased investment from the Irish Government and the dropping of the ban the Catholic Church had on its members attending Trinity. With that came the development of many fine buildings on the campus. Examples of these include the Berkeley Library, the Arts Building, the Dental Hospital, the O’Reilly Institute and the Ussher Library.
Book of Kells and the Old Library
Undoubtedly though, one of the biggest highlights is the Book of Kells. You will find this in the magnificent Old Library building. The Old Library is an absolute show stopper, beautiful and awe inspiring! The Book of Kells is a 9th century manuscript, incredibly decorated with the life of Jesus Christ through the four Gospels. The first letter on each page is fantastically and imaginatively illustrated. This makes the book so special, and gives us an insight into the lives and thoughts of the monks at the time.
Where to find it
Trinity College Dublin is located in the city centre at College Green. Numerous buses pass it by and there is a LUAS stop right outside the front door. It is also close to the Tara and Pearse Street rail stations. See more at tcd.ie.
