Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland, is the largest research library in the country and one of the most iconic academic institutions in Europe.
Established in 1592, it serves Trinity College Dublin and the University of Dublin, housing over 7 million volumes, including rare manuscripts, maps, music, and journals.
The library is a legal deposit library for both Ireland and the United Kingdom, meaning it receives a copy of every book published in these regions.
The Old Library, built between 1712 and 1732, is the library’s most famous section. Its centerpiece is the Long Room, a 65-meter-long, barrel-vaulted chamber lined with oak bookshelves and marble busts of renowned philosophers, writers, and scholars. Notable features include the Book of Kells, an 9th-century illuminated manuscript displayed in a dedicated exhibition, and the Brian Boru harp, Ireland’s national symbol. The Long Room also holds one of the last surviving copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic.
As of early 2026, the Long Room is undergoing a major €90 million conservation project, temporarily removing most of its 200,000 oldest books for preservation. However, the Book of Kells remains on public display, and visitors can still explore the Long Room and surrounding exhibitions. Entry to the Book of Kells and Long Room is €18.50 for adults, with reduced rates available. The library is open daily, with extended hours in the week, and is located at College Green, Dublin 2.
