Old Library, A Sanctuary of Ancient Manuscripts and Art

East Pavilion Library Colonnades

Huge collection of ancient books

4.6

Introduction

Trinity College Library's Old Library is an iconic building in Dublin, which celebrated its 300th birthday in 2012. On May 12, 1712, the foundation stone for Trinity College's Old Library was laid, and over the next 300 years, its remarkable design and high-quality collections have garnered worldwide attention. Many famous Trinity College alumni have studied here. Each year, over 500,000 visitors come to see the famous Book of Kells and Long Room. The Book of Kells is a illuminated manuscript in a gilt binding, a masterpiece of early graphic design, and is divided into four volumes, but only two are displayed to the public at a time. The Long Room, measuring about 65 meters long, houses nearly 200,000 of the oldest books in the library's collection. On either side of the Long Room are marble busts, including a remarkable half-bust sculpture of the British writer Jonathan Swift, carved by Louis-François Roubiliac. The Long Room also features Ireland's oldest harp and the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic. The Old Library has now become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ireland, housing thousands of rare and valuable works.