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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 13 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicola Brady

You can’t visit Dublin without walking over the cobbled stones of Trinity College, where Irish poet and writer Oscar Wilde was born and studied, among other literary greats. Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin was modelled after Oxford and Cambridge, though only one ‘college’ was established.

The university library – of which the famous Old Library is a part – is one of six legal deposit libraries in the British Isles and holds 4.5 million books (and counting).

The star of the show is the Old Library, home to the Book of Kells, an iconic 9th-century gospel manuscript. The Long Room houses 200,000 of Dublin’s oldest books.

After, and weather permitting, Trinity has an attractive green space where you can relax in the sun with a drink from the college bar, known locally as the ‘Pav’.

While you’re there 

Also on campus grounds is the Douglas Hyde Gallery, worth stopping by to see works by up-and-coming contemporary Irish and international artists.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Downloadable maps are available on the university website – but an official student-guided walking tour will give you the best overview of the history of Trinity College, with admission to the Old Library and the Book of Kells Exhibition included.  

There’s a selection of guided and 45-minute self-guided tours available – see the options and book one online before you go.

When to do it

The Old Library and Book of Kells Exhibition is open all year round, seven days a week. 

Tours run mid-May to late September, Monday to Saturday, every half hour. 

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle

Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle

Dublin

Enjoy ease of access with online fast-track ticket entry to the Book of Kells. Discover one of the most important highlights of Irish herita...

€59 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [1182 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Shelbourne Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.5 miles]

Taste old world glamour and socialise with Dublin’s glitterati at the city’s most iconic hotel.

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The Merrion Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.6 miles]

Old-world glamour and romanticism linger at this luxury, 5-star hotel just steps from Merrion Square in the city centre.

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Wilder Townhouse

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[1.3 miles]

Set in a Georgian townhouse, this hotel is all about eclectic style in a blissfully peaceful corner of the city.

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Dylan Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[1.4 miles]

A gorgeous boutique hotel that oozes style, blending bold design with superior service and a fun vibe.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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