Trinity College, Dublin, with its campus in the centre of the city, is Ireland’s oldest university. Explore the imposing 17th and 18th century stone buildings, where many of the country’s most famous authors studied. You’ll be able to admire exhibits ranging from modern art in the galleries to ancient manuscripts in the Old Library.
Step through the Front Gate, cross the cobbled Front Square and you’ll be standing in front of the university’s bell-tower, the Campanile. At each of the four corners there is a sculpture depicting a different scientific discipline.
Short tours are available, led by students from the university, during which you’ll learn much about the institution’s eventful history, architecture and notable alumni, from its founding in 1592 to the present day.
Mirroring the religious tensions over the centuries, Trinity College was reserved exclusively for Protestants until 1793, when the first Roman Catholic students were admitted. However, gender equality was not considered until much later. Women were allowed to study here from 1904. Nowadays, it is among the top universities in the world, with over 15,000 students.
Famous graduates include Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, who boarded here at the age of just 14. Fellow author Oscar Wilde studied Greek literature with much success, graduating in 1874, before going on to write many highly acclaimed works including The Picture of Dorian Gray.
The wide range of fascinating exhibits in the university includes a collection of medieval illuminated manuscripts and the 9th century gospel, the Book of Kells, in the Old Library. An extremely rare copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic is on display in the Long Room, alongside marble busts of former students and a 15th century harp. Don’t miss the Geological Museum full of rare species, the Science Gallery with its mobile exhibits, or the excellent collection of modern art in the Douglas Hyde Gallery.
Trinity College is located on College Green, and can be easily reached by public transport. It is also part of the city’s hop-on, hop-off tour. Admission to Front Square is free, but a fee is payable if you visit the Old Library. Paid tours run at the weekend, and on certain weekdays during the summer.
