The book of kells and trinity college had been on my must see list for years. The strange imagination displayed in the pages, the impeccable technique and the very fine state of preservation make the book of kells an object of. The book of kells is not the only rare irish manuscript in town. The book of kells is not the only rare irish manuscript in town four newly restored early irish illuminated manuscripts go on display today in trinity college thu, jun 1, 2017, 05. Dec 31, 2008 visiting trinity and seeing the book of kells. We had about a 20 minute wait to get into the library. It was stolen in the 11th century, at which time its cover was torn off and it was thrown into a ditch. A visit to trinity college and the trinity college library to see the ancient book of kells truly made my dublin travel experience more complete. The book of kells contains 680 pages or 340 folios. Our online book of kells brochures are available in the following languages.
Fainche ryan, loyola institute, trinity college dublin. Trinity college dublin library home of the book of kells trinity college dublin tcd colaiste na trionoide, irelands oldest university, was founded in dublin in 1592 by queen elizabeth i. Listen as your guide brings medieval ireland to life, shedding light on the book of kells profound historical significance. Founded in 1592, trinity college dublin, ireland s leading university has woven a path of distinction throughout its 500year history, propelled forward to captivate, shape and inspire future generations. 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. Stay at trinity college dublin in the heart of dublin and explore all that tcd has to offer including the book of kells exhibition, trinity gift shop and more. The book of kells was probably produced in a monastery on the isle of iona, scotland, to honor saint columba in the early 8th century. Books the rich history of trinity college dublin makes for compelling reading. It was built in the early 18th century and contains many treasures, the most famous of which are the book of kells, brian borus harp, and the marble busts which line the long room. Ways to experience the book of kells and the old library exhibition. Learn more about the book of kells with trinitys free online co. But despite visiting dublin on numerous occasions, i had never visited one of the most famous books, in one of the most famous libraries, in the world the book of kells in the trinity college library. 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.
Get in touch if you would like to discuss any of the tours shown on this site, or if youre looking to. After a viking raid, the book was moved to kells, ireland, sometime in the 9th century. The book of kells is ireland s greatest cultural treasure and the worlds most famous medieval manuscript. Visiting the book of kells at trinity college library, dublin. Colum cille on iona, just off the western coast of scotland, the book of kells has become widely known as the most stunning. Rte irelands national public service media 14,577 views. My husband and i visited ireland for our honeymoon and the book of kells, kept in trinity college, was one of the things we and a whole ton of other tourists were able to see. Situated just off grafton street in the heart of dublin, trinity is perfectly located to explore the city. Get in touch if you would like to discuss any of the tours shown on this site, or if youre looking to customise your own tour and just want to pick our brains we. The book of kells is not the only rare irish manuscript in. The book of kells exhibition is a mustsee on the itinerary of all visitors to dublin.
It was built in the early 18th century and contains many treasures, the most famous of which are the book of kells, brian borus harp, and the marble busts which line the. The earliest surviving building, the old library, was built between 1712 and 1732. If you are planning on visiting trinity college library and the book of kells i would give yourself a minimum of two hours. The gospel texts are prefaced by other texts, including canon tables, or concordances of gospel passages common to two or more of the evangelists. 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. Trinity college dublin and the book of kells 2014 ireland trip. See more ideas about book of kells, illuminated manuscript and celtic art. Discover medieval ireland using the book of kells, a ninthcentury manuscript featuring the four gospels of the new. Davids been here presents one of dublins main attractions, trinity college and the book of kells. The book of kells trinity college dublin ms 58 contains the four gospels in. Oct 31, 2006 trinity was founded just before the tudor monarchy had completed the task of extending its authority over the whole of ireland. Visitor attractions include the old library and the book of kells exhibition, gift shop, science gallery, zoological museum and cafes. Visit the trinity college library, home to the famous book of kellswidely considered among the most important of all irelands ancient treasures. It is the foremost irish university and is among the most respected englishspeaking universities in the world.
It was created in a columban monastery in either britain or ireland and may have had. The old library at trinity college is one ireland s biggest attractions. I love losing myself in their pages on a rainy day. Trinity college dublin ireland is the author of the book of kells 4. Trinity college dublin ireland author of the book of kells. With over 2000 of the oldest books housed in this gorgeous library, plus the book of kells, the 9th century gospel manuscript, what else could you ask for. Trinity college and the book of kells are truly mustsee attractions for any visitor thats interested in immersing themselves in the rich culture of the celtic homeland. Trinity collegebook of kells dublin, ireland youtube. Trinity college dublin stock pictures, royaltyfree photos. Visit trinity college dublin and the book of kells exhibition. Trinity college is home to the famous 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. Visitors can combine a tour here with a visit to nearby dublin castle.
Entrance to trinity college grounds is free, there is a charge for entry to the library and the book of kells exhibition area. The library is open everyday all year round, except for a period extending from just before christmas into the new year. Ben, the tour guide who happened to be graduating the next day, was awesome. A ticket to the book of kells includes access to the trinity college librarys long room, where youll find an original copy of the 1916 proclamation of the irish republic and a medieval harp. Trinity college old library and book of kells exhibition.
Weve got the perfect gift to celebrate your special occasion. The books name comes from the abbey of kells in kells, county meath, where it was reputed to have been at least partly written, though its exact origins remain unclear. The book s name comes from the abbey of kells in kells, county meath, where it was reputed to have been at least partly written, though its exact origins remain unclear. Trinity college was the last stop on my final day in dublin. This beautifully and elaborately decorated manuscript of the four gospels, written by celtic monks around the year 800, is part of irelands most valuable cultural heritage. Book of kells trinity college dublin, dublin traveller. It is the oldest university in ireland, founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i, and is famous for its graduates such as swift, goldsmith, wilde and beckett. Trinity college while it is possible to visit trinity college without paying for the tour, access to the book kells requires a ticket and the addition of the walking tour was only a few euros more.
A visit to the book of kells at the old library in trinity college dublin is a journey through some of irelands most iconic cultural heritage. Folio129v contains symbols of the four evangelists. Choose from a wide range of unique trinity college gifts, perfect for alumni, graduates, students and visitors to our campus. The book of kells is a masterpiece of medieval arta brilliantly decorated version of the four gospels with fullpage depictions of christ, the virgin and the evangelists as well as a wealth of smaller decorative painting. Trinity college and the book of kells, dublin city. Amidst 47 acres of classic and modern buildings, stunning grounds and irelands oldest. But when i stopped in on sunday july 10, i found an improbably long queue of visitors waiting to see the most famous illuminated manuscript ever rescued from a bog. The book is the most famous manuscript in the library of trinity college dublin where it is permanently on display.
Making its way from a scriptorium of the monastery founded near 561 by st. There are fantastic informational displays leading into the book of kells. College green trinity college dublin, dublin 2, ireland. The book of kells and the old library exhibition dublin. I ended up on the last tour of the day given by studentsrecent graduates of the university. Aug 9, 2014 four gospels illuminated by the columban monasteries 800 a. During my recent visit to dublin, ireland i was able to make my way over to the old library at trinity college, home to the book of kells exhibit. Trinity gift shop official trinity college dublin gifts. Due to its picturesque setting and the famous people connected with it oscar wilde studied here trinity college is one of the citys main tourist. There has been a library there since trinity college was founded by charter of queen elizabeth in 1592. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin trinity college. I honestly debated about not even seeing it and the book of kells, but with nothing else to do, i decided why not. The book remained there until the 1650s when it was moved to dublin for safekeeping and.
St matthew is represented by the man, st mark by the lion, st luke by the calf and st john by the eagle. The library contains many treasures, and the most wonderful of all is the book of kells. Trinity college, dublin and the book of kells blogger. Jan 22, 2014 if you are planning on visiting trinity college library and the book of kells i would give yourself a minimum of two hours. Authenticity tours offers a combined ticket which incorporates discounts on the cost of a guided tour of trinity college dublin and the admission fee to the book of kells and old library exhibition. Trinity college library dublin is one of the worlds great research libraries, holding the largest collection of manuscripts and printed books in ireland. Feb 12, 2010 davids been here presents one of dublins main attractions, trinity college and the book of kells. The college was founded in 1592 by queen elizabeth i as the mother of a university that was modeled after the collegiate universities of oxford. Its a nice introduction to the book of kells with loads of beautiful illustrations. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four gospels of the life of jesus christ. Trinity offers iconic meeting and event space, stylish dining and over 600 bedrooms on its historical campus. Authenticity tours, which operates trinity tours, can facilitate any tour requests from members of the public or tour groups.
Just two of the pages are without ornament, while about thirty folios, including some major decorated pages, have been lost. Inside is housed the book of kells a 9thcentury gospel manuscript famous throughout the world. Trinity college and the book of kells, dublin city tour ireland. Upon arriving at trinity college front gate i proceed to buy my ticket for the books of kells and the campus. The idea of an irish university had been in the air for some time, and in 1592 a small group of dublin citizens obtained a charter from queen elizabeth incorporating trinity college juxta dublin. Dec 05, 2015 a visit to trinity college and the trinity college library to see the ancient book of kells truly made my dublin travel experience more complete. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin. Trinity college, dublin and the book of kells on my two previous visits to ireland, i was delighted to visit the book of kells at trinity college, dublin. The book of kells, which is on display in trinity college, was written around the year 800 ad and is one of the most beautifully illustrated manuscripts in the world. The old library at trinity college is one irelands biggest attractions. Book of kells, trinity college, dublin, ireland top 10.
Whether a rousing account of the history of women in the college, or a lushly illustrated coffee table edition, trinitys book collection will both exhilarate and delight. Dec 17, 20 during my recent visit to dublin, ireland i was able to make my way over to the old library at trinity college, home to the book of kells exhibit. Trinity was founded just before the tudor monarchy had completed the task of extending its authority over the whole of ireland. Amidst 47 acres of classic and modern buildings, stunning grounds and ireland s oldest. The rich history of trinity college dublin makes for compelling reading. The gospel texts are prefaced by other texts, including canon tables, or concordances of gospel passages common to two or more of the. The book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages. 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. The book remained there until the 1650s when it was moved to dublin for safekeeping and was presented to trinity college dublins tcd library in 1661. Nov 17, 2019 the book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages. The book of kells and the old library are located in the heart of dublin city, in trinity college dublin. Trinity college tour the book of kells ireland with locals. Scolar press for trinity college library dublin, 1994.