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Though the heart
of Dublin beats most loudly along the banks of the river Liffey, only a few
blocks away you'll find a place where the quiet is so enveloping the city goes
nearly silent.
That is until
class lets out.
Trinity College
was founded in 1592 and continues its strong tradition of academic excellence
to this day. For only €10 there is a
walking tour available that includes admission to the library and the Book of
Kells. My tour guide informed us, among
other things, that Trinity College is the oldest institute of higher education
in the whole of Ireland. While recognized as one of the most important tourist
destinations, the campus is teeming with student activity year-round. My visit in what would seem like a slow time
of the year for academic endeavors was filled with students swarming on the
green, which was clearly labeled with signs saying "please stay off the
grass".
A lovely place
to grab a bit of sun and relaxation, the parks and public spaces around Trinity
College will not disappoint. However if
it is a bit of Celtic history you're looking for, only a few steps away is the
ancient Book of Kells and the Trinity college library.
The exact dates
when the Book of Kells was written is unknown, but it is estimated around the 6th
through 9th centuries with the majority of experts saying it was
written in the 8th century.
It is a book of gospels recorded in Latin by monks in an unknown
location in the British Isles. The book
itself is a masterpiece of Celtic art and is known around the world as one of
the finest examples of manuscripts of its kind.
Also in the old library is the Long Room, a beautiful library that holds
some of the most important historic books and records in all of Ireland. The oldest harp in the country is also housed
at Trinity College in the Long Room.
Trinity College
is easily accessible by public transportation and is close to most major
attractions in Dublin. Whether it's a
slice of academia you're looking for or just a refuge from a bustling city,
stop into Trinity College when you're ready for a bit of calm or a bit of
history.
Information:
Trinity College
Dublin
College Green,
Dublin 2
Telephone: (353)
01-896-1000
Opening Hours
for the Old Library and Book of Kells:
Monday -
Saturday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday (May -
September) 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday (Oct. -
April) 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Written by Joe Gayk - Summer of Travel 2007
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