Trinity’s Architecture Celebrated during Open House Dublin 2015

Posted on: 12 October 2015

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin will open its doors to the public as part of Open House Dublin 2015, on the 16th, 17th and 18th October. Open House Dublin is a unique experience, presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation, featuring over 100 free tours, events and workshops, inviting you to explore the rich architecture of Dublin.

A selection of Trinity's most famous and historic buildings will be open to all to come and visit over the weekend. These include the Provost's House, the Senior Common Room and Loos Bar and the Graduate Memorial Building. In addition there will be two tours of Trinity’s campus. One will explore the development of the University’s campus from the 16th century to the present day, while Trinity's ‘Home Away From Home’ tour, a special tour for the "students of the future", will explore the university from a student's perspective.

Please note that some tours require pre-booking, which can be done through the Open House Dublin website, however most tours will be run on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.

Details of Trinity buildings and tours are as follows: 

The Provost’s House: Friday 16 October, 12.00-13.00

The Provost's House has one of the most elaborately decorated interiors of its period, the building’s exterior is based on the solid principles of Palladian design. The house is the residence of the Provost of Trinity and has many original features.

Graduate Memorial Building: Saturday 17 October, 11.00-16.00

The Graduate Memorial Building (GMB) is a neo-Gothic Victorian building, designed by Sir Thomas Drew in 1897. It is home to Trinity’s oldest student societies: the University Philosophical Society (The Phil), the College Historical Society (The Hist)and the College Theological Society. It is the only building on campus wholly run by students.

Senior Common Room & Loos Bar: Sunday 18 October, 13.00-14.00

Originally designed by Richard Castle, the building was rebuilt in the 1760s. However, on two separate occasions, the vaults collapsed and it was eventually replaced by Hugh Darley’s building that we see today. It was severely damaged by a fire and restored by de Blacam and Meagher architects in 1984. The award winning design includes a clever replica of the famous American Bar by Adolf Loos.

Tour of Trinity Campus: Saturday 17 October, 11:00-12:30 & Sunday 18 October, 11:00-12:00

Synonymous with the development of Dublin since the 16th century, this architectural and historical walking tour will cover the main campus of Trinity from the hidden common areas of student life to the great public spaces that contribute to the city's civic heart.

Trinity’s “A Home Away From Home” Tour: Saturday 17 October & Sunday 18 October, 14.00-15.30

In this special tour, the “students of the future” will have the opportunity to explore the Trinity campus as a 'home away from home' and learn about the architecture of the university and the routines of student life. Suitable for ages 15-20.