The grounds of Trinity College dominate a large swath of central Dublin on the south side of the Liffey. Trinity is a highly ranked university, but it also attracts hordes of tourists, many on walking tours.
But the unmistakable highlight, for us and many others, is the Book of Kells and Old Library.
The Book of Kells is an elaborate illuminated manuscript that dates to the 800’s. Its many pages of Latin scripture were richly inked and illustrated by hand on vellum (animal skin) and the book is now on exhibition in secure glass cases, with each volume turned to a new page daily.
No photos were allowed of the book itself, and free high-quality scans of the entire book are available online anyway. This did not stop one special girl from trying to take a photo before being satisfyingly reprimanded by a security guard lurking in the darkness.
After viewing the Book of Kells, we entered into the Long Room of the Old Library. This stunning space looks like something from a Harry Potter movie set. The library was originally built in the 1700’s with a flat ceiling, then renovated in the 1800’s to add the famous vaulted ceiling.
Thankfully, photos were allowed in that area, and we took advantage.
Shelves of old books, ladders, and marble busts of famous figures line the sides of the Long Room, which is lit only by natural light filtering down from the side windows.
On first entering, there’s an elaborate spiral staircase.
Other important documents and artifacts are on display along the center of the room, but the architecture itself is what lures the eye, and the camera.
