Libraries in general are wonderful spaces. But the library at Trinity College is amongst the most magnificent you will ever see. This library is the largest in all of Ireland. It's also a copyright library, meaning that publishers in Ireland, and I think in the UK as a whole, are required to deposit a copy of everything they publish in this library. (In the U.S., the Library of Congress is also a copyright library.) The Old Library and The Long Room are probably the parts of the library you've seen before, with the latter being particularly iconic. Of course a library will hold a variety of unique items, but Trinity has a special treasure: The Book of Kells, a millennium-year old illuminated text. When exiting the Book of Kells exhibit, you step out into the Long Room and it's worth taking a moment to wander through the library before heading out. (And stop by the college bookstore before leaving, too!) read more

Can you believe this library has been in existence since 1592? It's probably best known for Book of Kells (9th century) and being the largest research library in Ireland. There are over six million legal items stored here as well. The Long Room is a section of the library that holds the oldest books along with sculptures. For obvious reasons, no photos are allowed once inside though we did grab a couple as we started the tour. We did a self-guided tour that went over an hour. The time really flew by. It was so easy to lost in the incredible history of it all. A must-see for any book lovers, history lovers, and so on. read more

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If I could somehow capture the scent of this library, I would do it in a heartbeat. The smell of old books, dusty shelves and centuries of history is pungent and I love it! They call this The Long Room, and for good reason. But it's also tall with enormous ladders and second-story tiers of more shelves (an addition built in the mid 1800's when the first level filled up). The collection of books includes many old classics (the originals, mind you) that would make any reader swoon. In addition to books, there are marble busts on display throughout as well as a medieval harp. There's a reverence in the space that is unmistakable. Absolutely worthy of a visit-just don't expect to be able to get a library card and check any of these books out. read more

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Wow this place was beautiful and worth the ticket to get in. It felt so cool to walk around with all the history around you. They are currently working on restoring all of the books. The design of the library was fabulous and I can't imagine them building this. I was very impressed! read more

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I think this is one of the most stunningly beautiful libraries I have ever been to! Very well worth the ticket and experience - and they run the process of ticketing and entry very smoothly! They are currently restoring books, so they instead they've installed some screens in front of shelves to show visitors what the restoration process looks like and where the books have gone. It's pretty neat! It's magical to be somewhere so historical - where Oscar Wilde has walked! I can only imagine how magnificent it'll be once they're placed back in their spots! The long room was by far my absolute favorite. So breathtaking!! Staff is very helpful but VERY strict about no photos, for good reason! Without the audio, it can be tough to figure out which page to go to in order, but there are guides written out in case you do not want to pay for it. The book itself is under one light in a glass case for you to glance at and it's amazing how well preserved it is! read more

Once upon a time, this Faerie Queen's trip to Dublin would not be the same without a trip to see the Book of Kells. Beautiful manuscript and one of the loveliest libraries - ever. The end. read more

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this tour. I heard a lot of exaggerations about how they removed all the ancient books from the library so going into this I was expecting to see ZERO books, but they had about 4 shelves stocked with books on either side. So, yes even though a majority of the books have been put into storage for preservation purposes, you can still see a sample of what the exhibit looked like. I paid €28 Euros for this tour and I thought the audio guide was convenient and easy to navigate. It was fascinating learning about Celtic History and it's a little embarrassing to admit but, prior to this tour I have never really heard of "The Book of Kells" before. It was amazing to see how well preserved it was. It took approximately an hour and a half for me to finish the whole tour. But, I of course was listening to each audio tape the whole way through, you may get through the tour quicker if you decide to skim through some of the tapes. Overall, I'm glad I did the tour, it was something I truly enjoyed. read more

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Words cannot express how beautiful the Long Room truly is. The smell of thousand year old books is overwhelming and sinks down into your soul. This a must see on any stop to Dublin read more

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I was really looking forward to walking through the library and seeing the Book of Kells but this was quite a letdown. I knew going into it that part of the self-guided tour was digital and that the majority of the books had been removed and put in storage as part of a preservation project that the library is doing, but it was expensive and didn't really make up for it much. It was a lot of looking at screens and pictures of books and less looking at books. The Book of Kells is there and you can see it, but it's the only thing in a small and dark room and you obviously can only look at the two displayed pages. You can't take pictures and there's an employee standing there to make sure you can't. The library has some books on display but the vast majority are in storage and the shelves are empty. There were still a lot of people there and the Long Room was packed, but it was just not as enjoyable as I was hoping. I honestly enjoyed my time at Chester Beatty more than I did here, and that was free. If you're going to Dublin specifically for this library, maybe put your trip off for a while until the preservation project is complete. It's just not worth paying all that money for right now. read more

Trinity College Library - The Long Room - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

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A must if you're in Dublin, Ireland. Book the tour. See the Book of Kells. The history is breathtaking. The college does a great job at showcasing the artifacts in a very consumable format for the audience. The tour we went on was self guided, but the staff was very helpful. Book ahead of time if you're going during peak times. They do sell out. read more

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STUNNING! If you love Harry Potter like I do than you're going to love this library because is it was inspired the library in Harry Potter! Photos and videos do no justice of how marvelous this library and history actually stands for. The mahogany wood will take your breath away once you see through the two doors! read more

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We visited the Trinity college library and booked the book of Kells experience. For me this was a bit of a miss while the library itself is stunning , the whole Gaia earth installation cheapens/detracts from the architecture. The book of kells experience is useless if you didn't bring headphones and download their app to listen to as you walk through posters on the wall of pages in the book, which the book is on display at the end no photography. I was impressed with the buildings at Trinity & library architecture but not the paid tour. read more

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Buy tickets for the book of Kells exhibition at the ticket office when you first enter the college or online. The exhibit was very crowded with people hovering all the displays. The exhibit leads up to the Book of Kells display, which you cannot take a picture of. It is very cool to see. After the viewing of the book of Kells, you go into the old library which is a cool sight. I went during the restoration project so all the books were gone but still a cool spot. They also had the harp on display. read more

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Beautiful grounds on the prestigious campus of Trinity. Was a nice visit here to see some of the history. Oh, by the way Oscar Wilde studied here. read more

Trinity College Library - Trinity College, Dublin - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

Absolutely beautiful Trinity College was a Protestants college in Catholic Dublin Interesting to note in September, 2023 the majority of students are Catholic females... Both Trinity College and Trinity College Library are Must visits We have a previous visit and felt compelled to return read more

Trinity College Library - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

The library is magnificent! The natural light is so surprising, bookcase ladders, 2 stories, just in awe for book lovers! Frankly this was much more interesting & enjoyable than the Book of Kelly's alone. No bathrooms in these buildings so watch for signs on campus. read more

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Truly a must-see if you're visiting Dublin! Make sure to buy tickets in advance online because they can sometimes sell out if you show up the day of. There is an exhibit dedicated to the Book of Kells when you first enter and you can see the original book, although no photos are permitted of the book itself. The library is gorgeous and although I went during the restoration project it was still a beautiful site to see. So much history is preserved within the library and it was an incredible experience walking through. read more

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The long room is magnificent with a giant orb at the end of it. The Book of Kells has beautiful illustrations and the library also contained Brian Boru's harp. If you go, make sure you watch the Book of Kells experience. It's amazing this book has survived. I had a great appreciation for it after watching. read more

The Library at Trinity College is magnificent. It's collections is considered one of the largest in the world. The Book of Kells is downstairs, in a separate and safe room. But the Library is open to the public and you have limited access to walk around and take pictures. Another must visit when in Dublin, along with Dublin Castle and the Beatty Library. Oh, I'm sure you don't need me to recommend Guiness and Jameson's. LOL read more

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Absolutely stunning. Full of tourists but 100% worth the visit to see the space and the Book of Kells, plus you get to walk around Trinity College. Filled my librarian heart to witness the wonderful history of this space and the stories within it. read more

Trinity College Library - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

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This was such a beautiful space, full of history and architectural beauty. The long room somewhat knocks the breath out of you as you step through the doors. It is old. It is grand. The details in the woodwork and the vast size of the space and the amount of books it holds is just wild to me. There are small exhibits within to look at and it wasn't too crowded when we went (early November, weekday morning). Some nice photo ops, but definitely note that you will not get photos like in the pamphlets, as you aren't permitted on the second floor and there was construction and cleaning going on with blue tarps and many empty sections. The gift shop under the library (which you must exit from, of course. :-)) is ample and great. read more

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What a rip . 20.00 bucks to see the inside of a empty library. All the books have been removed just a sad money grab

This is beautiful and historic library. I love that they are going through a very rigorous process of cleaning all the books and furthering to protect them. Taking a tour today you only see a few sections with books, the rest are bare but this is a great way to see a unique view of the library too. This section was my favorite part of the tour. read more

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4/13/23- part of the tour of the Book of Kells. This was fantastic. Best library I've seen in years. Very majestic inside. It's like the movies. Two floors going down about 50 yards. Each floor looks to be about 15 feet tall. Books everywhere. They need to shoot a movie scene in here like National Treasure, John Wick or something. Just amazing. 5 stars. A few photos taken. Also, the original Harp is in here from Ireland. Very sweet! read more

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Came as part of a walking tour. The book of Kales is just, wow, what a sight! The library is like opening a page from a lost book in time as well. I would definitely go see it while you still can. Be prepared to get no photos of the actual book or pages; however, a replica is in the library. Go if you can! read more

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In Dublin for a business trip and found that I had a little bit of time before our next meeting. Stopped into the Trinity College Library and so glad that I did this. The library is beautiful and during the week, it wasn't so busy. I think if I had waited until the weekend to stop in, it would have been difficult to score a ticket. Definitely stop in if you're in town to visit this beautiful library. read more

Trinity College Library - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

On my fourth visit to Dublin, I finally get to see this beautiful library. The scale of it, the age of it, and everything inside is impressive. Make sure to see the Brian Boru Harp on display, as well as the busts lined along the corridors. The books you cannot miss. The books are impressive by themself, but even more impressive in the way they are displayed on the towering shelves. Study the top floors to discover how you get from section to section on the top floor of the library! read more

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A must do! Beautiful campus. The Book of Kells Experience is a must do. Audio guided tour really fills out the experience. Cafe a little over priced but still has the necessities. read more

Impressive and awe moment when stepping into this library! This is what I would have imagined a glorious library to look like and Belle's Disney collection of books if she was to have ever had one! Mesmerizing and take it all in. read more

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I wish every library in the world looked like the Trinity College Library. It is like a fairytale library out of your imagination. This seems like a place I could ask if they had a book about the most obscure topics and they would certainly have it because, well, they have thousands of books. The architecture is impressive with the high rounded ceilings and shelves upon shelves. The library has a museum and in it is housed the Book of Kells. This is famous since it dates back to the 9th century and is still intact. The beauty of the calligraphy and illustrations is astounding since it was all done by hand in a monastery. I believe it was 13 euro for admission. If you buy your ticket ahead of time then you don't have to wait in line for tickets when you get there. If you are in Dublin and a lover of books this is the place for you! read more

Trinity College Library - Wowzers!! - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

Do this! Our guide was great. She was a current student, but seemed to not only know, but love the school. The book of Kells was the reason for our visit, I did not expect a lot from the tour, but was pleasantly surprised. The library was was amazing. We spent a total of two hours and loved every bit of it read more

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Highly recommend the Trinity College Tour. It's full of history and so many interesting facts. You'll learn how Guinness got the harp on their product too! read more

Trinity College Library - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

One of the most remarkable, a beautiful library in the world, The Library is the permanent houses Brian Boru harp which is a national symbol of Ireland, a copy of 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, and the Book of Kells (on public display located in the Old Library) In the main chamber of the Old Library main chamber is the Long Room, built between 1712 and 1732 and houses 200,000 of the Library's oldest books is a busy tourist stop. From the architecture alone its breathtaking, with the wooden barrel high rounded ceilings, spiral staircases, ladders on rollers and shelves upon shelves of books. This place is straight on of Harry Potter. Also know as the Lane of Knowledge, lot's of marble busts showcasing famous historians and authors. I came here with a prearranged tour group, we already had our tickets and didn't have to wait in any lines. There are times when you are restricted from taking photos. Definitely worth a visit. read more

There is an energy to this place that calms the soul and inspires at the same time. Beautiful piece of history and architecture. The long room and Book of Kelly's tour are well worth the visit. Plan to take your time and don't miss the shop at the conclusion of the library tour. Buy your tickets online ahead of time. Yours sell out and you must specify date and time for your visit. Definitely a must see for Dublin. read more

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It's a pretty magical place. Almost feels like you're stepping into history, or directly into the scene of an old book. Yea, it's a little touristy and can get crowded, but it's worth it. Spend time walking around, taking it all in. Check out the Book of Kells. Scan the tens of thousands of books on the floor to ceiling shelves. My wife and I visited during our tour of Ireland, as Dublin was our last stop after driving around the country, visiting her family there. So if you're in Dublin, even for a day, add this to the itinerary. It's a little overwhelming, but beautiful and quite impactful. read more

This place is like walking into Harry Potter movie set, beautiful wooden arch ceiling with windows on both side to let nature light in. With 200,000 books on the shelves. You can't read or get close to them but it's amazing view to see read more

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Take the Trinity Trails guided tour!!! We had a brilliant guide named James Ryan who spoke eloquently of the famous and infamous history of Trinity College. The tour ended in the library which is undergoing an extensive restoration but even that was so interesting. Be sure to download the audio tour of the book of kells. The alignment of great art and holy scripture is breathtaking. read more

It's touristy and crowded so you need to just take a deep breath and as soon as you walk in, jump into the scrum over where the Book of Kells is displayed. (You are constantly warned that photographing the Book of Kells is not allowed and they do hurry you along.) After you finish peering through the glass case (because the lighting sucks), then if you want to learn more, walk around and read all the displays in the room. Or do what I did and immediately walk up the stairs to the old library to admire its awesomeness. The Book of Kells is anticlimactic next to the old library. (Unless you are not a fan of old libraries.) It's hard not to at least marvel at this one, tho. It's worth it to wander the entire length of the library, take a few selfies and read some of the different historical plaques. It has the feel of a museum. It was very crowded when I was there, like shoulder to shoulder, so be mentally prepared to have your space invaded. Everyone will be walking around looking up. The ceiling is quite beautiful. There are stairs that lead down to the gift shop and ultimately outside. I'm glad we took the time to visit but I seriously doubt I'll ever return. This was more of a bucket list item I wanted to check off. If you go, buy your tickets online and try for an early entrance time. read more

Very impressive library. It was stunning. The staff was very friendly and helpful! Thank you

Absolutely a National Treasure. The College founded by Queen Elizabeth couple of years ago, in 1592. Beginning in 1801, the Library was given right to claim a free copy every Irish and British publication. This quickly forced the shelf lined walls to buckle and the roof had to be raised in 1860. We scrambled to view the Book of Kells (another review). Then into the magnificent Hall. Stacks of countless books and records, accessed by ornate spiral stairs and ladders on rollers. The wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling is jaw dropping and urge you to take a VERY SLOW saunter down the Lane of Knowledge. Observe not only the ceiling, stacks, ladder/stairs, but the extensive collection of sculpted Marble busts (aka Heads) of famous historians and authors. read more