Evidence suggests that there were never any snakes in post-glacial Ireland, however snakes appear prominently throughout ancient Irish mythology. One of the most famous stories about St. Patrick, is that he is responsible for banishing all the snakes in Ireland. Legend has it that he chased them into the sea after they attacked him during […]

Due to popular demand, our Keeping the Books talks on preservation activities, will now run until 28 June 2019. Talks take place in the Long Room, from Monday to Friday at 3pm. They last 15 to 20 minutes and are free for ticket holders to the Book of Kells exhibition as well as Trinity College […]

For the second year in a row Trinity College Dublin has been inundated with hundreds of incredible pieces of creative writing and art for the annual,  nationwide, Book of Kells Creative Competition. The judges were astounded with the phenomenal talent that was shown by over 1,600 entries from budding artists and writers of all ages, […]

As we work to ensure the conservation of the Old Library building and the preservation of its unique collection for the benefit of generations to come, the Book of Kells will not be on display from Monday 14th January – Wednesday 16th January inclusive. A Facsimile copy, a full colour duplicate of the Book of […]

Trinity Gift Shop is offering 20% off all in-store purchases for students and staff from the 1 – 21 December 2018. To claim, Trinity students or staff are simply required to show their Trinity card at the till in the Trinity campus shop. With the recently launched Trinity 1592 collection, there are plenty of unique […]

Excitement is high as the deadline of 30 November gets closer, but there is still plenty of time to enter Book of Kells Creative Competition 2018. Entry is FREE and winners will be awarded with VIP Book of Kells trips, cash prizes and an invitation to an awards ceremony in Trinity College Dublin in January […]

A poem called Pangur Bán, written in the 9th century by an Irish monk about his cat, highlights how cats were kept as pets during the time that the Book of Kells was created. The monks may have kept cats to help preserve the supply of food in the monastery. This practical function is referenced […]

Lions play a key part in the symbolism of the Book of Kells.  According to ancient Christian texts, the lion cub was born dead and was watched over by the lioness for three days until its father arrived on the third day and awakened it. This story is believed to be the inspiration for the […]