Languages 250 at Trinity

Languages 250 at Trinity (1776-2026)

In 2026 the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies will mark the 250th anniversary of the establishment of Modern Languages in Trinity College. A series of events will be held throughout the year to commemorate this historic initiative, which led to the establishment of the oldest continuous Chairs of Modern Languages anywhere in the world.

Trinity was the first university in these islands to introduce the study of modern continental languages. In 1776 Trinity appointed professors in French, German, Spanish and Italian. They were the first university Chairs in modern languages in these islands and in the case of the Chairs in French and German the oldest continuous Chairs in these languages in the world.

The establishment was spearheaded by the newly-appointed Provost John Hely Hutchinson motivated by his desire to equip college graduates with language skills for foreign travel and cultural engagement, opening them up to the exciting possibilities of Enlightenment Europe. 

The ‘Languages 250 at Trinity’ programme will be of national, European, and global importance, as well as an inclusive celebration of all the languages and cultures of our School. 

The celebratory programme of events was officially launched on 29 January 2026. More events will be confirmed over the coming months.

Get in touch if you would like to be involved