The Library of Trinity College Dublin

The Library of Trinity College Dublin (Irish: Leabharlann Choláiste na Tríonóide), informally known as the Old Library, is the main library that serves Trinity College, and is the largest library in Ireland. It is a legal deposit or “copyright library”, which means that publishers in Ireland must deposit a copy of all their publications there without charge. It is the only Irish library to also hold such rights for works published in the United Kingdom.

It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the university and a major tourist attraction housing numerous Irish artifacts and exhibits, including the Book of Kells since 1661. The Library is also the permanent home to the Brian Boru harp, a national symbol of Ireland, as well as a copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

One of the four volumes of the Book of Kells is on public display at any given time. The volumes and pages shown are regularly changed; a new display case installed in 2020 facilitated all pages to be displayed, including many which had not been seen in public for several decades.

Members of the University of Dublin also have access to the libraries of Tallaght University Hospital and the Irish School of Ecumenics, Milltown.

History

The Library began with the founding of Trinity College in 1592. In 1661, Henry Jones presented it with the Book of Kells, its most famous manuscript. James Ussher (1625–56), Archbishop of Armagh, whose most important works were Veterum Epistolarum Hibernicarum Sylloge (1632) and Brittanicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates (1639), left his valuable library, comprising several thousand printed books and manuscripts, to the Library. His complete works were published by the Library in twenty-four volumes.

During the 18th century, Trinity College was seen as the university of the Protestant Ascendancy. The Parliament of Ireland, meeting on the other side of College Green, dominated Irish society and politics for over two centuries, and was therefore associated with social elitism for most of its history.

Trinity’s legal deposit status ensures that the nation’s published works are preserved for posterity. This commitment to preservation extends beyond books; the Library also safeguards a vast collection of manuscripts, historical documents, maps, and other invaluable artifacts.

The Book of Kells

This 9th-century illuminated manuscript is not simply a religious text, but an explosion of vibrant color and intricate detail—a testament to the profound devotion and unparalleled skill of Celtic monks. The Gospel of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John are brought vividly to life through painstaking artistry, transporting viewers back to Ireland’s Golden Age.

Standing before its pages feels like encountering a sacred object, imbued with spiritual power and artistic genius. But *The Book of Kells* is only one jewel in the Library's crown.

The Long Room

Towering shelves stretch towards arched ceilings, lined with ancient volumes that whisper tales of forgotten eras. Marble busts of prominent figures gaze down upon visitors, creating an atmosphere of awe and reverence.

Within this space also resides another national treasure: the Brian Boru Harp, a medieval Gaelic harp representing one of only three surviving examples from that period—a poignant symbol of Irish identity and musical heritage.

Architecture and Legacy

The Old Library stands as a testament to classical architecture, completed in 1732 by Thomas Burgh. Subsequent additions reflect evolving styles and needs. The Eavan Boland Library, originally constructed in 1967 and recently renamed in 2024 after the celebrated Irish poet, presents a striking Brutalist contrast.

Modern expansions like the Lecky Library and James Ussher Library offer contemporary study spaces while seamlessly integrating with the historic core of the complex. This architectural dialogue—between tradition and innovation—speaks to the Library’s enduring relevance and its commitment to serving both present and future generations.

What truly sets The Library of Trinity College Dublin apart is its dual role as an academic library *and* a national repository of Irish culture. Its legal deposit status ensures that the nation’s published works are preserved for posterity. This commitment to preservation extends beyond books; the Library also safeguards a vast collection of manuscripts, historical documents, maps, and other invaluable artifacts.

A visit here isn’t simply a tour—it’s an immersive journey through time, art, and the enduring power of knowledge; a place where history comes alive and inspiration awaits around every corner.