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Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is the centrepiece of an exhibition which attracts over 500,000 visitors to Trinity College Dublin each year. Written around the year 800 AD, the Book of Kells contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a latin text based on the Vulgate edition (completed by St Jerome in 384 AD). The gospels are preceded by prefaces, summaries of the gospel narratives and concordances of gospel passages compiled in the fourth century by Eusebius of Caesarea. In all, there are 340 folios (680 pages). The script is embellished by the elaboration of key words and phrases and by an endlessly inventive range of decorated initials and interlinear drawings. The book contains complex scenes normally interpreted as the Arrest of Christ, His Temptation, and images of Christ, the Virgin and Child, St Matthew and St John. Originally a single volume, it was rebound in four volumes in 1953 for conservation reasons. Two volumes are normally on display, one opened at a major decorated page, the other at a text opening.

Admission Prices:

Old Library/Book of Kells: Adults €8 Students/OAP's €7 Family Ticket €16

Opening times:

The Old Library (all year): Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-5pm Sunday (October-April):12pm-4.30pm Sunday (May-September):9.30am-4.30pm Closed 10 days over Christmas and New Year period.

Other details:

Bank Holidays 2006: Friday 17th March 2006 12.00 - 16.30 (St Patrick's Day) Friday 14th April 2006 12.00 - 16.30 (Good Friday) Monday 16th April 2006 12.00 - 16.30 (Easter Monday) Monday 1st May 2006 09.30 - 17.00 Monday 5th June 2006 09.30 - 17.00 Monday 7th August 2006 09.30 - 17.00 Monday 30th October 2006 12.00 - 16.30 Please note: As part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations there is free admission for all on Friday 17th March 2006.

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