Mike's Site

Visited Trinity College, established in 1592. The big attraction is The Book of Kells, an ancient manuscript painstakingly created by monks around 800 AD. It’s the book of gospels of apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Book of Kells is written in Latin and adorned to the hilt with intricate drawings. The book is on display in a darkened room so that light won’t degrade it. No photography is allowed. The book is an Irish treasure.

Trinity College also has an old library filled with important and very valuable books and maps. Some of the books haven’t been opened in a century or more.

Part of the old library is called The Long Room and it’s impressive with its tall shelves and high wooden ceiling. After Notre Dame in Paris caught fire, museums and places with vulnerable valuables like in this library started taking measures to protect their stuff.

So, in September this library will close for renovations for three years. A fire suppression system using chemicals, not water, will be put in. If a fire starts the chemicals will starve the fire of oxygen and not damage the fragile books and maps.

Also in the library is the oldest harp in Ireland. It’s believed to be from around 1000 AD. It’s made of oak and willow and has steel strings. This harp is the national symbol of Ireland and an icon of it is on Irish government stationary, tourism literature, money and is the symbol of Guinness.

After the visit, did a walking tour suggested by my Rick Steves guide book.