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Monday 27 May 2013

Dublin in a Week, Part 1: Trinity College

Although I've lived in Dublin for almost four years now, there's plenty of touristy type things I've yet to do. Himself and myself are city break type of people- we like to traipse around all the various tourist destinations a capital has to offer until we're knackered yet full of cultural knowledge! Previously we've been to Dublin's art galleries, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Christchurch Cathedral, the Zoo and have generally explored most of the city. Hubster had this week off so we decided to add to that and pop into Trinity College, hop aboard the city bus tour, knock back a pint in the Guinness storehouse, go for afternoon tea, visit Dublinia and take a stroll around the Japanese Gardens (although that's technically cheating as it's not in Dublin at all).
First up, Trinity College and the Long Room/Book of Kells. Trinity itself was founded in 1592 and as well as being a third level educational institution, also houses the biggest collection of Ireland's oldest books (the Long Room) and the Book of Kells, a manuscript from over 1000 years ago, created by Irish monks.


Beautiful weather in the front square
The Long Room
Intricate Staircase, Book heaven, How the inks were originally made

Fancy Armagh Leather Satchel, from ye olden medieval times.

I'm sure most of us have been to see the Book of Kells at some point, most likely as youngsters on a school tour but if it's been as long as it was for me then it's definitely worth another visit. The buildings in Trinity are so beautiful and as you can see above the Long room is stunning- a fantastic, peaceful space and as an aside- the smell of the books! Amazing! I couldn't get to take any photos of the Book of Kells because it's obviously a flash free zone but is quite dark in the room it's housed in so you'll just have to check that one out for yourself. Overall, a lovely way to spend an afternoon!
XX

5 comments:

  1. That library!! Amazing. This is a great idea, all the times I've been to Dublin I don't think I've ever done proper touristy things (open-top bus, zoo, and guinness storehouse aside) have never seen the Book of Kells. I feel deprived! x

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    1. I know, I do love a good library at the best of times but that room is just amazing! Definitely one for the book lovers! :) x

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  2. Love stuff like this we're planning to do the bus tour of Dublin even though we live here too just cause you find out bits about the city you never normally would! Think you always make more effort when you're away so you can miss gems at home!

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    1. That's so true, and exactly why we said we'd start making more of an effort now the weathers a bit better. We actually got the bus tour tickets on groupon for 7 euro each, normally about 16 I think so it's well worth checking out all those deal sites first before you buy! x

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  3. Oh yay, thank you! I love Dublin too, you should definitely put your posts up, I'd love to read them- we could start out own hash tag! #bbloggerswholoveDublin etc :) xx

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