Trinity College Dublin

Queen Elizabeth I founded Trinity College Dublin in 1592, making it Ireland’s oldest university. It is in the heart of the capital and has a long and illustrious history.

Trinity has preserved part of its historic solitude of cobbled squares, gardens, and parks, and is known the world over for its collection of outstanding artefacts. On permanent exhibit are the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript, the Books of Durrow and Armagh, and an antique Irish harp.

The priceless artefacts are on display in the Treasury and the Long Room, which houses over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books and hosts regular literary exhibitions.

In the heart of a bustling neighbourhood, Trinity College Dublin is a refuge. Among the prominent alumni are Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels), Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), and playwright Samuel Beckett. As you enter under a timber-tiled archway, you are immediately transported back in time. The pristine green lawns, 18th and 19th-century buildings, and cobblestone pathway harken back to a bygone period and emanate a solemn academic atmosphere.

It’s best to plan your visit ahead of time, as public buildings can get crowded during peak season. Make time to relax and simply enjoy the atmosphere in addition to seeing the must-see sights.