The Book of Kells Experience

Trinity College Dublin is home to wonders big and small. Case in point: the Book of Kells Experience, which takes in the world-famous 9th-century illuminated manuscript, alongside the vast Long Room in the Old Library. This 65-metre vaulted chamber with dark oak beams and marble busts is often considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. While currently empty of most of its 200,000 early-printed books due to a major restoration project, visitors to the library can gaze in awe at Gaia, a huge illuminated sculpture of Earth suspended from the ceiling. No wonder Trinity College Dublin was crowned Europe’s Leading Academic Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards.

Once you have visited the Old Library and the Book of Kells, the experience continues at the Red Pavilion and the Secret Life of the Collections. The Red Pavilion is located opposite the graceful Museum Building, in a green space surrounded by trees. Inside, you’ll be immersed in three digital exhibitions detailing the fascinating story of this 9th-century manuscript. It’s also where you can find the ever-popular gift shop, featuring souvenirs and Trinity College sweatshirts.

At The Secret Life of the Collections, a variety of digital media brings the stories and artefacts connected to the book to life, alongside interactive, spirited sculptures of Ada Lovelace, Jonathan Swift and Rosalind Franklin.

It’s best to book your ticket online to ensure entry at your chosen time and to see which ticket best suits your visit. There are four different ticket options, including the self-guided Book of Kells Experience, and the self-guided Book of Kells & Old Library, which does not include access to the digital exhibition in the Red Pavilion. A guided tour is also available with the Guided Book of Kells Experience, while a popular option is the Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience.

The Trinity Trails guided walking tours are led by expert student and alumni guides who know the campus inside out. From stopping by architectural marvels such as the Museum Building to hearing stories of famous former students such as Samuel Beckett and Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), it’s a riveting 45 minutes. Perfect for combining with the Book of Kells visit.

Uncover more of Dublin’s literary attractions

With its location right in the heart of Dublin city, Trinity makes both a convenient and atmospheric place to stop for a coffee or a sit-down meal and it boasts a variety of options. The 1592 is the university’s fine-dining option and is open for lunch from Monday to Friday, with a seasonal menu featuring Irish produce.

To get a feel for college life, try The Dining Hall, with freshly made hot dishes, soups and desserts served within an 18th-century building. Or stop by The Buttery, located just off Trinity’s Front Square. For coffee and quick bites, there’s the Perch Café (with outdoor seating), the Forum on the ground floor of Trinity Business School and Aras an Phiarsaigh at the centre of the campus.

As Trinity College is so central, you are also a stone’s throw away from some of the best places to eat and drink in Dublin. With a gorgeous view over the college campus, The Pig’s Ear on Nassau Street serves traditional Irish fare with a contemporary edge and is featured in the Michelin Guide. Sprout on nearby Dame Street is perfect for a quick, casual sit-down bite, with excellent salads and wraps grown organically on its own farm. And a short stroll up Grafton Street brings you to Bewley’s Café, one of Dublin’s most iconic tea rooms, which has been visited by some Dublin’s literary greats, including James Joyce, WB Yeats and Samuel Beckett, over its 100 years of history.

Discover Dublin’s exciting food scene

There’s no shortage of things to see and do near Trinity. Grafton Street, one of Ireland’s busiest shopping areas, is just across the road. The Irish Whiskey Museum is opposite Trinity’s main entrance, while one of the city’s best-loved pubs, the Palace Bar, where literary greats Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan once held court, is also close by.

The campus is a short walk away from the well-known Molly Malone statue and the National Gallery of Ireland, where masterpieces by Van Gogh and Caravaggio, as well as works by Irish artists Jack B Yeats and Louis le Brocquy, are on display. Take a walk up Kildare Street, opposite the college campus, and you’ll find the National Museum of Ireland, where you can gaze upon glittering gold treasures, uncover ancient history and learn about the history of Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites.

Find out more about Ireland’s historic landmarks

On Stephen’s Green, a five-minute stroll away, is the Little Museum of Dublin, which offers a quirky and fascinating history of the city told through artefacts donated by locals. The green is a beautiful place for a walk and will also lead you to the Museum of Literature, a great place to discover the history of this UNESCO City of Literature.

A history-filled campus right in the heart of the city featuring one of Ireland’s most important treasures? What are you waiting for? Start planning your Trinity experience today and enjoy a tailor-made 72 hours in Dublin.

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