Book of Kells｜Trinity College & The Long Room in Dublin

Updated on 25/11/2025 ｜ Published on 31/05/2025

If you’re visiting Dublin, Ireland, one place absolutely worth adding to your itinerary is Trinity College Dublin. Not only is it Ireland’s oldest university, but it’s also home to the famous Book of Kells and the dreamy Long Room—often referred to as one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.

Why visit Trinity College for the Book of Kells?

Many visitors come to Trinity College to see the iconic library that looks straight out of a Harry Potter film. But what truly makes this site world-famous is the Book of Kells, often hailed as “the most beautiful manuscript in the world.” This 1,200-year-old Latin Gospel book is renowned for its intricate illustrations and calligraphy and is considered a cultural treasure of Ireland.

The exhibition is well-designed and informative, making it accessible to all—whether you’re a history lover, an art enthusiast, or a curious first-time visitor. Combined with the visual impact of the Long Room, the overall experience is well worth the ticket price.

Trinity College Visit Info

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How to Get to Trinity College

Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin city centre, with its main entrance facing College Green. Step outside and you’re right on Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s busiest shopping areas. It’s only about a 5-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Green, making it a perfect sightseeing stop.

Although it’s a functioning academic institution, the main paths of the campus are open to the public. Visitors can walk through parts of the grounds to admire the historic buildings and enjoy the collegiate atmosphere. Even if you don’t visit the exhibition, a stroll around the campus is well worth it.

• Address：College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
• Tram： Green Line, get off at Trinity stop
• Buses：Multiple city centre bus routes stop nearby

Opening Hours

• 08:30–17:00 (opens at 09:30 on Sundays)
• Closed on Christmas and select holidays – check the official website before your visit

Tickets / Tours

• Book on the official website｜Guided Tour

What is the Book of Kells?

The Book of Kells is a Latin Gospel manuscript hand-written by monks around 800 AD. It contains the complete text of the Four Gospels and is a masterpiece of Celtic art and Christian devotion, famed for its vivid colours and intricate illustrations.

The manuscript is currently divided into four volumes, with different pages on display at different times. The exhibition features interactive displays that explain the book’s creation, the natural sources of its pigments, and its historical background—offering a deeper appreciation of its craftsmanship and cultural significance.

Highlights of the Long Room

After viewing the Book of Kells, you’ll enter the most breathtaking space in the library—the Long Room. This 65-metre-long wooden hall houses over 200,000 old books, with high arched ceilings, dark timber architecture, and towering two-level bookshelves that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a magical realm.

When I visited, most of the books had been temporarily removed, except for the first few rows. Still, the grandeur of the space was undeniable.

This change is part of the Old Library Redevelopment Project, as the building—dating back to the 18th century—is undergoing restoration to protect the books from dust, pollution, and fire hazards. The project began in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2025, with books gradually being returned to the shelves.

Despite this, the Long Room still has plenty to see:

• Ireland’s oldest harp, which also appears on the national emblem
• Marble busts of famous figures like Shakespeare, Newton, and more
• A majestic, peaceful reading room that remains one of Dublin’s most iconic cultural landmarks

During my visit, there was also a large suspended Earth installation—Gaia by British artist Luke Jerram. Made using high-resolution imagery from NASA, it offers a stunning view of our planet and symbolises the connection between people, knowledge, and the environment.

Photography rules：You may take photos in the Long Room (no flash), but photography is not allowed in the Book of Kells exhibition.

Book of Kells Digital Experience

Beyond the Old Library, Trinity College has recently launched the Book of Kells Digital Experience—an immersive multimedia exhibition that lets visitors step inside the world of this 9th-century manuscript.

This experience is located at the Red Pavilion, just a one-minute walk from the Old Library. You can visit in any order, but I recommend doing this after the physical exhibition to deepen your understanding of the manuscript. Highlights include:

Secrets of the Collections

Historical figures like Ada Lovelace, Jonathan Swift, and Rosalind Franklin “come to life” through animations and interactive displays, sharing the stories behind the library’s most treasured artefacts.

Book of Kells 360

A multisensory immersive show with 360° projections and digital visuals, taking you on a journey into the Book of Kells’ history, symbolism, and craftsmanship.

Recommended Visit Route

Here’s the suggested flow for your visit:

1. Check in at the entrance
2. Enter the Book of Kells exhibition (includes an introductory film and interactive displays)
3. Continue into the Long Room
4. Visit the gift shop, where you can pick up replica pages, postcards, and souvenirs
5. Walk to the Red Pavilion to enjoy the Book of Kells Digital Experience

You can rent an audio guide or download the mobile app on-site for more background information on the exhibits.

Attractions Near Trinity College

After exploring Trinity College, you can visit nearby spots—all within a 5-minute walk:

• Grafton Street：Dublin’s most popular shopping street
• Irish Whiskey Museum：A deep dive into Ireland’s cultural and distilling heritage