Trinity College

We decided it was time to take a train ride.  We took one with little fanfare or difficulty to Dublin.  A 1.5 hour, most enjoyable, train ride.  I really don't like driving into Dublin, it's like any big city.  Cars, people, buses, scooters, motorcycles and trams going every which way.  It's busy, crowded and generally just another big city.  The train enabled us to relax, sit back and enjoy the views.

We walked into town rather than take the tram (Luas, it's called) and after stopping for a delicious elevensies at the Bus stop Café we headed to today’s primary focus, Trinity College.

Borrowed from the Internet

Two years ago, the line to see the Book of Kells and Library was out the door and around the building (summertime tourists). The campus is still crowded, but now it's students. This time, we were able to walk up to the counter and buy our tickets and walk right in.  Cameras are not allowed so there won't be any of my shots to share of the 1500-year old books, but I did borrow one from the internet. Originally there were 4 books, today bound in 2 volumes.  Written in Latin they glorify Jesus and his messages (gospels).  They were created by Celtic monks and believe to be used for ceremonial purposes. There are very nice commentaries and displays on how the vellum and various pigments were made and used.  There is also a description on how the books were rebound in the 19th century.  I was mostly impressed with the script itself and the decorated gilded pages.  The handwriting is meticulous, delicate and beautifully done – and the lines straight on the page!  I would describe the drawings by the original artists throughout the books as lavishly-gentle & delicate.  It’s thrilling to know we can look upon something so old, and that they are in such excellent condition after all these years.

I was in awe as we entered the library, more specifically the Trinity Library Long Room.  Reminded me of Hogworts.  Even though it’s considered a tourist attraction it’s still part of the main college library.  We chatted with one of the docents, Ken and he indicated there were over 200,000 first additions in that room.  Just let that soak in for a minute 200,000 first additions!!  Numerous collections, manuscripts, literature, journals, depositions & plays. Can you imagine looking at Shakespeare’s original handwritten plays?! They’re here too! In 1801 the Library was endowed with “Legal Deposit Privilege” and continues to receive copies of material published for safe keeping. What a fantastic building, and all those books. I bet there are some books the students aren’t allowed to check out.

PHOTO ALBUM