Trinity College and Book of Kells -- Dublin, Ireland. - Universities and Colleges on Waymarking.com

The history of Trinity College can be conveniently divided into four epochs—a century or so during which the foundations were laid, a period of colourful expansion extending over the eighteenth century, and a century and a half of strenuous adaptation to a rapidly changing world.

Trinity was founded just before the Tudor monarchy had completed the task of extending its authority over the whole of Ireland. The idea of an Irish university had been in the air for some time, and in 1592 a small group of Dublin citizens obtained a charter from Queen Elizabeth incorporating Trinity College juxta Dublin. The Corporation of Dublin granted to the new foundation the lands and dilapidated buildings of the monastery of All Hallows, lying about a quarter of a mile south-east of the city walls.

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 to the Book of Kews exhibit is 8€. There are two rooms of interpretive exhibits before you reach the actual book. One highlight is a video which demonstrates how the book was bound in ancient times.

Arriving at the actual book exhibit may be a bit anti-climactic as there are only 2 pages on display. However, there is a beautifully illustrated companion guide for 18€ by Bernard Meehan available in the bookstore. Most of the interpretive part of the exhibit seems to be taken from this guide. One possibility if you would like to see more of the pages is to purchase the guide and skip the actual exhibit.

Name: The University of Dublin Trinity College Location/Address: College Green Dublin 2, Ireland 00000 Phone Number: (+353) 01 896 1000 Web Site: [Web Link] Type of School: Graduate School (part of larger university) School Affiliation: Public -- National Date Founded: 1592 Enrollment: 15.492 Location of GPS Coordinates: Parliament Square Nicknames/Mascots: Not listed School Colors: Not listed School Motto: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Post one original photograph of the school that is a different view from the one on the main page, and describe your visit. Add any additional information that you may have about this school is welcome.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   02/03/2023 fconder visited it 06/02/2022 Harald visited it 09/25/2019 jezevecjezevec visited it 08/20/2019 Skyecat visited it 07/02/2019 Kladings visited it 03/10/2019 hennes1389 visited it 01/26/2019 FamilieFrohne visited it 11/11/2018 kubluck visited it 10/19/2018 Kalmoda visited it 07/10/2018 Fred_26_86 visited it 10/03/2016 kapeka visited it 09/11/2016 prussel visited it 06/11/2016 Clan RunningBison visited it 04/29/2016 FamilyKangas visited it 03/26/2016 geobublina visited it 09/05/2015 Bush-Rescue visited it 09/01/2015 LCSM visited it 07/30/2015 sorocos visited it 05/07/2015 merlot visited it 07/14/2014 lillesandler visited it 01/26/2014 Kleine welp visited it 12/31/2013 Tomsle visited it 09/18/2013 me.toString visited it 01/24/2013 run26.2 visited it 12/01/2012 Master Mariner visited it

View all visits/logs