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Trinity College

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Trinity College (Ireland)

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Trinity College Dublin was established in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, making it Ireland's oldest university. Located in the heart of Dublin, the campus is renowned for its grand Neoclassical architecture, particularly the Old Library and the ceremonial Campanile. The Old Library’s Long Room houses over 200,000 ancient texts and is the home of the Book of Kells, an intricately illuminated 9th-century Gospel manuscript. Historically, the college was founded on the site of a suppressed Augustinian priory and remained an exclusively Protestant institution for centuries. It began admitting Catholics in 1793 and women in 1904, marking significant shifts in Irish social history. Notable alumni include literary giants such as Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Beckett. Today, Trinity is a top-tier research university and a major cultural landmark, attracting millions of visitors who come to see its historic collections and walk its storied cobblestone squares.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C666811141515141187
Rain mm86707061677680917610210697

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Trinity College is an active university campus open to visitors; the Old Library with the Book of Kells is accessible inside. The expansive lawns and courtyards are freely available for exploration.
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Typical hours
The Old Library is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with later opening on Sundays. The campus itself is always accessible, but buildings have restricted hours.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in the Old Library to protect the fragile manuscripts. Elsewhere on campus you may photograph freely, except in designated areas.
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Time needed
Allow about one hour for the Old Library and half an hour for the campus. With a guided tour or detailed viewing of the Book of Kells, budget two hours.
Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby St. Stephen's Green park, just a ten-minute walk away. Major Dublin attractions like Dublin Castle and Temple Bar are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
Trinity College is located in central Dublin, reachable by bus lines 40, 44, or 49. The campus is also easily accessible on foot from the city center, right on College Green.
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Insider tip
Book your Old Library ticket online in advance to avoid queues. Visit the Book of Kells early in the day when the rooms are less crowded.

Geography

Coordinates
53.34380, -6.25750

Facts

  • Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I
  • Home to the 9th-century Book of Kells
  • The Long Room library is 65 meters long
  • Admitted women for the first time in 1904
  • The Campanile was constructed in 1853
  • The campus spans an area of 190,000 m²

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Sights in the town Trinity College (10)

Book of Kells

Famous 8th-century Insular Gospel book, displayed at Trinity College Dublin.

🕒 Mo-Sa 08:30-17:00; Su 09:00-17:00💶

Douglas Hyde Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in Dublin, Ireland.

🕒 Mo-Fr 11:00-18:00;Th 11:00-19:00;Sa 11:00-16:45

Irish Whiskey Museum🏛 museum

Museum covering the history of Irish whiskey production in Dublin.

Book of Kells Experience Red Pavilion

Interactive exhibition space for presenting the Book of Kells.

Henry Grattan

Monument to Irish politician Henry Grattan on the college campus.

Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again🏛 museum

Museum dedicated to the life and work of poet Seamus Heaney.

Thomas Osborne Davis

Monument to Irish poet and nationalist Thomas Osborne Davis.

Players Theatre

Student theatre at Trinity College Dublin.

Samuel Beckett Theatre

Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, named after playwright Samuel Beckett.

Solart

Contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Book of Kells?
It is a masterfully illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels dating from the 9th century.
What is the 'Long Room'?
The remarkable main chamber of the Old Library, housing 200.000 of the college's oldest books.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, pre-booking a timed entry ticket online is essential to see the Book of Kells.
When was Trinity College founded?
The university was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.
Is the campus open to the public?
The grounds are free to enter, but there is a fee for the library and exhibitions.
Trinity College: where is it located?
Trinity College is located in Ireland.
Trinity College: what is there to see?
Highlights include Book of Kells, Douglas Hyde Gallery, Irish Whiskey Museum.
Trinity College: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Trinity College: why is it worth visiting?
Trinity College Dublin was established in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, making it Ireland's oldest university.
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