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Review: As a person on holiday on campus. At 433 years old (est. 1592, by Queen Elizabeth I) and counting, Trinity College (TC) was a "must see" for our itinerary while in Ireland. Besides the overall history of the college, TC boasts the Old Library that can usually be found on the top 10 list of best libraries in the world. Inside of it, the Book of Kells (around 800 AD) is kept in a climate-controlled section. So much history! When my family and I found out we could stay on campus in the summer accommodations site, we booked directly with TC. When we arrived, we headed to the registration office, where we were assisted by students and who provided good service during our stay. The Heritage room my wife and I booked was modest, with two twin beds and a large window that looked out on the tennis courts. The bathroom was compact with a phone booth sized shower, which might be a challenge for anyone 6' tall and over! Each day, housekeeping made our beds and provided clean towels and, if needed, new soap and shampoo. Each floor has a kitchen with a stovetop, microwave, refrigerator and more, and places to sit and eat. An access card is needed to enter the dorm, kitchen, and room. The campus itself is easy to walk, with plenty of green spaces. My family and I enjoyed sitting on the green (with many other people!) between the main buildings, people watching under the sun and passing clouds. A couple of eateries and coffee trucks can be easily found. We paid for a guided tour that was well-worth the expense. The history of how the college was established, the history since then, and even the architecture of the older buildings kept us engaged, and was one of the many highlights during our stay. TC's location is pretty central to many of the "must see" places in Dublin, and the ones we chose were all walkable. More information can be found on the TC website. But for us, we accomplished all we set out to do and see on campus and took home many, long-lasting memories.
We were lucky enough to get a private tour access all areas because I have a contact among the alumni who entered here over 30 years ago to do research and he has never and will never leave. We were there over 4 hours. We saw the book of Kells and I already knew enough about it and saw the Brian Boru harp and one of the five existing real copies of the 1916 Easter Rising. The history here is so long and riveting that one could literally write dozens of books about it so I won't bother saying much more just to note that the most visited place in Ireland is the Guinness brewery and the second The Book of Kells. If you are in Dublin do visit.
Established in 1592 by the Queen of England. Initially a college for the privileged and entitled it's now a university for the masses. Initially for Catholic men only. Now open to women, as well as all faiths and denominations. The campus is on 46 acres. The students are very much activists and engaged in affairs. A beautiful campus of higher learning.
Did the campus and Book of Kells tour, and made the reservation online in advance. We arrived 15 minutes earlier at the bell tower as suggested, and our tour guide Paul arrived with a blue tour guide sweater to check off names. You don't need the actual tickets until you do the Book of Kells, which is the second part of the tour. The campus is pretty and the tour provided a lot of helpful context. The Book of Kells had an exhibit which Paul highly recommended reading beforehand in order to fully appreciate the Book, otherwise just seeing two pages wouldn't do justice to the significance of what you're viewing. No photos allowed of the Book. After the Book, you get to see the Old Library, which was beautiful. Best photo spot would be right in front of the set of stairs that lead to the exit.
Queen Elizabeth I founded Trinity College in 1592, making it Ireland's oldest university. So I knew I wanted to take a walk around it when I was in Dublin for the first time last week! Parliament Square is beautiful, and I really enjoyed a walk around it and a few others areas of the campus. We didn't go inside any buildings (the books have been taken off the shelves in the library for renovation and I wasn't sure which other buildings were open to the public), but it was still beautiful just to walk around the campus and take in the facades and atmosphere of the campus! Well worth a walk around if you're in the area.
Joffrey Baratheon is an alumnus from here. So are these people: Oscar Wilde, Courtney Love, Hozier, and Niall Horan. If you're a tourist in Dublin, you can't not check this place out, even if you're not going to pay and see the The Book of Kells. The courtyard is a nice area to people-watch and relax, before going on to more sightseeing and your next pint of Guinness. Cool old university!
I'm not sure what I can say about Trinity College that hasn't been said before. The campus itself is old - very old. Some of the buildings are originals that were updated over the years. We visited one day before the fall semester started and much of the campus was under construction. It will be a surprise if they are ready for the students. After a tour of the campus, we went to see the Book of Kells exhibit. The Book of Kells is an old bible with beautiful calligraphy and drawings. There is a nice exhibit showing the history of the book. Then you arrive at the exhibit. I admit, it was a little underwhelming since the book is behind glass and opened so you can see one page. It was not unexpected- if they allowed people to touch it, the book wouldn't last. What I found amazing was the long hall. This was a two story library with sections dedicated to many of the classic writers, philosophers, and scientists. I think the oldest section was books by Plato. The Long Hall is lovely, iconic, and contains icons of history. This was well worth the tour.
Lots of colleges like to boast about being right in the thick of all the action. Trinity College may boast, but it's absolutely true! I like visiting college campuses--maybe it's an occupational hazard. But there is always interesting history, beautiful buildings, and something interesting afoot at a college or university. Trinity College has all this in spades, having been established at the tail end of the 16th century. It's highly respected, considered one of the top 100 or so universities in the world. Of course there is an impressive roster of alumni. You'll probably have come here to see the Book of Kells, probably the most famous illuminated text in the world. That would be a great idea! The book is gorgeous, truly. They give you a little bit of info as you first enter, and then let you view the pages. The book is thought to have been created around the year 800, and is largely seems to have used the Vulgate as its inspiration. It's fewer than 700 pages total, large pages of course, but still not as big as I had expected. They have four pages on display each day, and those pages rotate every once in a while. It's been divided into four volumes, so only two volumes with those four pages are on display at any given time. The pages are so intricate that you won't see everything but you can take in a lot! It's astounding how well preserved the book remains; the pages practically glow. When you leave the Book of Kells, you'll pass through The Long Room of the Trinity College library. WOW. I think my jaw actually dropped when I stepped into this space. I mean, it's breathtaking. Truly I don't know if another library in the world could do the Book of Kells justice! Soaring, arched ceilings soft lighting. I could spend half a day wandering this space. Besides the Book of Kells, Trinity College Library holds the Brian Boru harp (you'll see harps all over Ireland--this harp is the national symbol of Ireland). Also, the library is a copyright library, which means that publishers must provide a copy of each work they publish to the library. (This is similar to the Library of Congress in the United States.) Definitely take the time to stroll the grounds before or after you have taken in the Book of Kells and the library. The school bookstore is near the exit if you want a keepsake. I bought my Trinity college sweatshirt there and over 11 years later it still keeps me warm, and brings back memories of my time in Ireland.
If you look up things to do in Dublin, one of the main things people tell you to do is visit Trinity College. We visited and I honestly think that college campuses in general aren't super interesting. I think that if you're thinking about attending a specific college for school, it's a great idea to tour the campus, but if you're someone like me who has spent way too much time on their former college's campus, then you may not find this attraction too interesting. It is free though and not a bad activity to do when trying to wide away time.
Trinity College is really pretty to look at, but confusing to navigate for someone who isn't taking a tour of sorts. When you arrive here, it is impressive to do a little bit of walking around on your own, but you don't spend much time here if you don't know where you're going so I would suggest a tour. It is pretty crowded and I believe students still go here so it is hard to tell the difference between tourist and student, unless they're carrying a load of books. read more
7 years ago
Gorgeous Campus! Makes me wish I attended Trinity College! They have a campanile (bell tower) and superstition holds it that whoever passes underneath it when the bell tolls will fail their exams!-- I'm pretty sure I ran underneath this bell as it rang....that would explain everything ha ha read more
I couldn't help but feel locked in a Dickensian time-warp, a Victorian era scene as I meandered through Trinity College and its darkened libraries and overcast gardens. I imagined walking through chill, damp cold to get to class on a Christmastime dream of endless possibilities. But I'm an American on vacation with little time for Dickensian ramblings. Open to the public, these grounds offer respite from the noise and din of downtown and the roar of the buses seem a long way off. Now and then a jet plane arcs overhead to remind us of what century we're in but all-in-all, you can escape to a world of the past within these chambered halls. I followed the detailed and colorful biblical interpretations through the Book of Kells and marveled at the artistic masterwork of Celtic monks circa 800 or even earlier. The Insular art of human, animal and mythical beasts all meshed together in Celtic knots and interlacing patterns in vibrant colors is a pleasure to behold and I felt fortunate to do so. Being a child of the sixties surrounded by psychedelic posters of San Francisco's rock concerts, I felt these ancient Irish monks had it wired long before any Bill Graham or Family Dog promotion ever did. Not wanting to waste any time in the City, I held to my primary goals of national museums, historic sights and Trinity College before heading north. It was a good plan. When in Dublin on holiday, a trip to Trinity is a must. Go with eyes and ears wide open and the entry fee will long be forgotten. read more
17 years ago
First and foremost, a proviso - I went to Trinity. Secondly, an admission - I went to Trinity in large part because the campus is gorgeous and it has an unequalled history. Thirdly, a demand - that everyone who comes to Dublin at least walks through this historic and beautiful place. If it's a (rare) sunny day, sit outside the Pav with a few cans (buy them in the Pav...the profits go to college sports, and the officials get more than a little annoyed if you bring your own), and try to catch a cricket match. Understanding cricket is entirely unnecessary, just pretend to look vaguely interested and clap - politely mind - when the players highfive. If you are there in May or June, watch out for students who are desperately trying to convince themselves that you can study outside...you can't. Trinity really is a must-see. Historically, it has a central part in Irish history - it boasts a veritable who's who of famous Irish figures amongst its alumni and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The buildings (at least those as far back as the Pav, as any further and you get to the rather less impressive and more modern Hamilton block...evidently the Arts students are more in need of immersion in culture!) are breathtaking, and all are still in use. Be careful walking under the Campanile, as tradition holds that to do so dooms you to failure in your exams. The best way to see Trinity is to take a student-led tour - full of anecdotes and historical titbits, and led by people who really know the place, they will give you an experience better than anything from a guidebook (look out for Stephen especially!!) The piéce de résistance is, theoretically, the world-reknowned Book of Kells. However, in all honesty, it is the Long Room Library that shines (and, for any Star Wars buffs, the Jedi Library is based on this very room), and is a must-see. If you're going to buy merchandise, here's a hint - take a look in the Students' Union shop by the Arch before you look in the gift shop. Deservedly one of the top attractions in Dublin...just watch out for frazzled students around exam times! read more
8 years ago
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6 years ago
Trinity College rests in busy central Dublin opposite the former House of Parliament. Erected in 1592 under Elizabeth I, It's famous alumni include: Jonathan Swift, Samuel Becket and Oscar Wilde. Student tours depart from the desk at the front Arch of the College 8 times a day between mid-May and the end of Sept.. Other times of the year are restricted to the weekends. The 30 minute student lead tour focuses on the history of the college, architecture, famous graduates, and an introduction to the Old Library and Book of Kells. The cost is 10 Euros, 8.5 online. The Old Library contains 1,000's of books shelved in stacks from floor to ceiling, manuscripts, maps, printed music and the oldest harp in Ireland. The ambiance is straight out of Harry Potter. The Book of Kells written in 800 AD by Celtic monks, is an illuminated manuscript Gospel Book, A masterpiece of western calligraphy, it is set under glass for your viewing. The Book is opened so that you can see one illustrated page and one page of mostly text. A digital copy of the manuscript was produced by Trinity College in 2006 and is available for 30 Euros. The gift shop also offers the Book of Kells gift edition for 85 Euros. While at the college enjoy the Buttery (cafeteria), the Pavilion (bar), the Douglas Hyde Gallery (contemporary art), the Science Gallery, the Zoological museum and the Science Gallery, the Student's Union Shop, a cricket match, the Campanile, statuary and architectural detail of Irelands oldest university (1592).. If you do not wish to take the student tour just walk in a have a free self guided tour. The Old Library and Book of Kells will cost you about 9 Euros to see. Hint, if you know a student they can get you free entrance. read more
This is a great point from which to start a walking tour of Dublin. Start here with the book of Kells, then make a trek through Dame road to come across the Temple Bar are and the medieval part of Dublin. The old trinity Library at the end be of the book of Kells exhibit is a sight to behold. Disclaimer: this is not a rating on the quality of education, but I heard this was the best University in all of Ireland. read more
The price of admission is quite reasonable considering you get to reenact a scene out of Beauty and the Beast! Seriously, the massive wooden library makes my knees knock like Belle's when she first gazes upon the Beast's Library! The library's main chamber is called "The Long Room" and it's filled with 200,000 old books bound in leather cords sitting enticingly upon hand carved wooden shelves. As the library received more and more books over the years it was built UP higher and higher resulting in the gorgeous barrel-vaulted ceiling you see today! The library is terribly mysterious and musty smelling! It was unbearably tempting to explore it more, but we weren't even able to take photographs. There were some examples of books, mainly luminaries, on display and I read how this one book you can only turn the pages using a silk scarf! Also at the Trinity College Museum we saw The Book of Kells. I remember studying this important book in my Humanities class. However, upon finally viewing this world famous Illuminated manuscript--- I wasn't nearly impressed as I thought it would be (and I'm a Graphic Designer!) I really liked learning how they had to get rocks from different parts the world to get different colors to paint. To get blue you had to find the Lapis rock which was only found in Afghanistan. read more
17 years ago
Anyone living or visiting Dublin will be familiar with the location of this historic institution, but many are unaware of all the activities that can be done within the walls of the university. First, you can take a walk around the campus and examine all the buildings, statues and archways. In the summer months, you can get a student-guided tour for 5 Euro. After wards, you can pay 9 Euro to visit the Book of Kells and peruse the gift shop for overpriced souvenirs. Finally, you can eat lunch at The Buttery, the student cafeteria, and go to the Pav, the student bar, for a drink. If you want to visit Trinity on the cheap, you can bring your own picnic and eat it watching the TCD cricket team play. read more
I wanted to see the Long Room Library but my friends and I forgot about it once we set foot on campus. It made for a beautiful stroll. My friend Anastasia fell in love with this gorgeous place. The pedestrian streets are paved with cobblestones. We peeked inside a building when we heard music practice then tried to imagine as if we were here when our friend Conan was studying art history. read more
A little bit biased on the one as I attended here for university. But I have to say. I love visiting Trinity. There is a tonne of green space that seems so calming in the middle of the city. It's vibrant with people running around the place. And the sense of history makes it feel unique. I recommend checking out the Long Room - it is one of the most magical libraries I have ever seen, the Book of Kells is also kinda cool. Take a walk though the squares, or, maybe even a short cut if you are heading from Pearse st area to city centre. It's also a great spot to soak up the sun in the summer-grab a spot near the cricket pitch to avoid the shadows, and bring a picnic. read more
17 years ago
As Alex pointed out there are indeed lots of things to do in Trinity. There are plenty of green areas and some sports fields and a running track to make use of and the best place to have a picnic? Under the two Oregon Maple Trees in Trinity Square. They are the largest Oregon Maple Trees in Europe! They are also planted in the ancient graveyard of the abbey that was originally located where Trinity is today! Spooky! The library at Trinity College is also the largest one in Ireland and houses the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated gospel manuscript written around 800AD!! It also house exhibits and is a beautiful building so well worth checking out! read more
What a wonderful way to spend the day. Just walking on this campus made me feel connected to something deeper. As I walked the campus with present students surrounding me, other tours and even school age children it was a lot to take in. All of the history within the walls of the college was worth the price of admission. read more
Lovely place to walk around and check out. The buildings are gorgeous are so neat. There's this one building that has 3 differently styled windows all next to each other. If you're a history buff or can appreciate pretty, old buildings more than I do, I'm sure you'll love this place more than I did! Also, the book of Kells is here. I didn't know until a few days after I visited....so do come to check that out if you're interested! read more
Crackin'pub that would be a thousand times better if it didn't have that college tacked on. Really, I'd much rather sit on the grass than watch grown men swan about dressed in white playing a game I'm convinced has no actual rules. I have tried on many occasions to understand cricket, I've even watched documentary's. But the only draw I can see is when the West Indies are beating England and there's music, dancing, barbeques and booze. Essentially, something/anything to distract you from the cricket. I also don't appreciate my forced ejection for non-possession of a Trinity ID. Especially when the thousand or so tourists the place holds are allowed wander about unaccosted. And they complain when people call them snobs? Really now. read more
8 years ago
Even if you don't visit the Book of Kells, meander through the campus and go on the Literary Pub Crawl to get an idea of the history. Beautiful campus, an iconic institution. read more
17 years ago
Like Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College automatically rolls off the tongue when people ask where to visit in Dublin. Trinity is located in Dublin's throbbing centre and it is a place of rare tranquility in the metropolis. The University is steeped in history and displays some impressive architecture. It is said to be Ireland's answer to Cambridge and Oxford and its history is more than a little intertwined with the British Empire. It was a stronghold of imperialism and although students now come from all walks of life, it still carries a stigma for being 'toffy'. Tourists usually make a beeline for the ancient Celtic manuscript, the Book of Kells, and The Long Room above. They are well worth a visit and entrance is free if you are with a Trinity student. Equally satisfying is simply wandering around the campus gazing at old buildings. There is an enchanting little cherry-tree garden at the front of the rugby pitch. If the sun is shining, take a sandwich and join the chattering scholars, however beware of overenthusiastic security guards "protecting" the grass! read more
17 years ago
Beautiful buildings, great history, lots of tourists and annoying cobblestones. That pretty much sums it up! Oh no wait. I forgot to add that it also has the best student bar in Dublin. The Pav: I salute you. read more
17 years ago
Trinity College is certainly a must-see for visitors to Dublin. I highly recommend the student-led tour, which is really interesting, entertaining and funny. Our guide had this strange, booming, put-upon accent that you could tell he made up. Especially when someone at the end of the tour asked him a question and he replied speaking at top speed with a full-blown Irish accent. That's not a complaint, it made for an even more interesting tour! The tour is great because it gives you a sense of the history of the college and makes all of the pretty buildings come to life. The tour concludes at the famed Book of Kells, which is nice but not really all that special, considering the amount of cool old books to be found around Europe and Dublin itself (see the Chester Beatty Library, which is FREE). After you glimpse the famed pages, you can check out the Long Room upstairs, which is exactly the type of library I envision having in my home one day. Picture a long room (duh) filled floor to ceiling with old books, and those wheelie ladders to access the top ones (nerds everywhere swoon). They have some exhibits in cases in there as well, but the current Napoleon one when I was there was kind of a snooze. One thing I thought was funny was they had a large replica of the Rosetta Stone, which was labeled Rosetta Stone and gave no indication it was fake. Shady business... read more
8 years ago
11 years ago
The most impressive library ever seen. You may have to queue to enter but it is definitely worth it. You are explained the story of the books, how they preserve them, you then see the main attraction: the Book of Kells and then enter the long and very very impressive library. read more
I'm not a student here (I wish) it's one of the top and oldest in the world, but I had the pleasure of meeting students here when I visited and they seem to know how lucky they are. It was under some major construction in areas because it is sooo old, that I wouldn't have blinked if they were teaching magic in the physics building. It was founded in the 1500's and is one of the seven oldest Universities in the U.K. It is truly one of the most beautiful walks in all of Dublin. I noticed they made the same sneaky, brilliant move as my alma mater (UCLA) in that you're pretty walled in while you're on campus. They definitely don't want students wandering off, yet they're very kind and accustomed to tourists. read more
10 years ago
17 years ago
Trinity is a beautiful historic site and of course active college campus. The architecture is incredible and the tour is a great way to see it up close. Make sure not to miss the library or Book of Kells, an ornate manuscript. The library feels like something from a movie. The campus isn't high, so wandering around is pretty quick. read more
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Trinity College Dublin - collegeuniv - Updated May 2026
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