St Brigid’s Day Ireland – Celebrating women in Irish History

Three women in an old library looking at a white marble sculpture of a woman.

St Brigid’s Day in Ireland, celebrated on the 1st of February, marks Imbolc, the ancient Irish festival that welcomes spring and the return of light. Often understood to mean “in the belly”, Imbolc reflects the themes of new life, hope and renewal. It now holds a special place as Ireland’s first public holiday dedicated to […]
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The Yeats Sisters and Irish Design Exhibition

Free exhibition now open in Printing House  Visitors to Trinity College Dublin can now enjoy a free exhibition on the Yeats sisters and Cuala Press in the newly restored historic Printing House in New Square.  Printing House is located opposite the entrance to the Book of Kells Experience Red Pavilion.   The exhibition, entitled ‘The Yeats Sisters & Irish Design’, explores the Cuala Press’ pioneering contributions to […]
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Famous Dublin Libraries: How the Long Room in Trinity Stacks Up

Image of a woman standing in front of the Gaia display, admiring the surroundings in the Long Room

It’s no secret that Ireland loves its libraries and literature. The best-known libraries in Dublin are not just beautiful spaces, they’re living collections that help shape Ireland’s cultural identity. What Makes a Library Famous in the Land of Literature? Five hallmarks of a “famous library” in Dublin: The Must-See: The Long Room in the Old […]
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Oscar Wilde: From Decadence to Despair

Oscar Wilde stands with a blazer and a white shirt

Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversation, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was one of the most famous Irish personalities of the nineteenth century and one of the great writers of the Victorian era. He is also one of Trinity College Dublin’s most celebrated alumni. Visitors to the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin […]
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5 Surprising Facts about the Book of Kells and Old Library: Insights from a Library Guard

Library Guard Shauna in the Old Library wearing black trousers, a belt and white shirt

The role of a Library Guard gives me a backstage pass to some of Ireland’s most loved historical treasures. There’s something about telling people I’m a Library Guard for the Book of Kells and Old Library that instantly sparks people’s curiosity. It’s not exactly your typical job title, and most people don’t even realise it’s […]
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Cuala Press Exhibition at the Old Library

"The Stone Wall" by Susan 'Lily' Yeats

Visitors to the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin can now enjoy a carefully curated collection of prints, illustrations, and other textile pieces created by Cuala Press Industries during the early 20th century. Access to the exhibition is included in a ticket to the Book of Kells Experience and it runs until 26 September 2024. […]
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Why have the books been removed from the Library at Trinity College Dublin?

Image of Gaia in the Long Room from the upper floor

The Old Library’s collections, spanning millennia, have been in our care for over 400 years. The Library now faces conservation challenges from pollution and dust accumulation.There is also an urgent need to improve fire protection and environmental controls. This once-in-a-lifetime event is called the Old Library Redevelopment Project.The project is applying 21st century design and […]
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