05/04/2026
In the famous Long Room (library) of the oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College (1592) is the revered Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is an illustrated manuscript and Celtic Gospel book in Latin, containing an illustrated colorful calligraphy copy of the four Gospels of the New Testament. It was created in a Columban monastery in Scotland, and may have had contributions from Ireland monks. It is believed to have been created in 800 AD. It is printed on vellum (calf skin) and is regarded as a masterwork of Western calligraphy and the pinnacle of Insular illumination. The manuscript takes its name from the Abbey of Kells, County Meath, which was its home for centuries.
Only two pages of the Book of Kells is on display at a time. The pages are changed every 6-8 weeks. The book was stolen twice by Vikings because the cover was covered with jewels. Thankfully the pages were recovered though the cover has never been found.
The books in the library are currently being removed to be restored and conserved. The library will be renovated to make it more appropriate for the long term conservation of the books.
Gaia is an illuminated sculpture featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, showcasing the planet floating in three dimensions as viewed from space.
The Trinity College harp, or "Brian Boru harp," is the oldest surviving Irish harp, dating back to the 14th or 15th century.
