It was the first day of fall classes at Trinity College and the campus was buzzing with activity. We were there to see the famous Old Library of Trinity College, home to over 7 million printed volumes, including extensive collections of journals, and a large collection of manuscripts and music and more than half a million maps. We learned a tour was the only way to get inside, so we gathered on Parliament Square in front of the Campanile with the rest of our group, dreading the idea of a tour, but hoping for the best.
We quickly realized we were in luck. Our tour guide was a former student. He was knowledgeable about the history (the college was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I), and filled with personal anecdotes and superstitions of college life. Our group didn’t pepper him with a million detailed questions, so he was able to keep us moving as he led us through the campus highlights.
Our guide left us at the library entrance where we were directed through a series of exhibits that led to the Book of Kells, the famous 9th-century manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. (No photos allowed).
From there we headed upstairs to The Long Room, the main chamber of the Old Library. Here, 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books normally fill the shelves. However, a major redevelopment project aimed at upgrading the building’s infrastructure (fire prevention and plumbing were mentioned) began in 2021 with restoration and construction to begin mid-2027. Because of this, books were being removed from shelves and stored in boxes for safekeeping.
Even with empty shelves the Long Room (65 meters/213 feet in length) is considered one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.
It seems many (or most) things in Ireland are centuries old. Guinness is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide. The story began in 1759 when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for a disused brewery. This site is still home to the Guinness Storehouse where tourists are led through a multimedia tour of the brews history.
Andrew and Charlotte joined us and together we shuffled through self-guided displays, learning more about the Guinness history. Moving on, colorful, animated exhibits reveal how four main ingredients (water, hops, barley and yeast) combine throughout the brewing process to create your pint of iconic Guinness Stout.
The tour ends on the top floor Gravity Bar where a quick exchange of an entry ticket will get you a free pint of Guinness to sip while enjoying a view of the Dublin skyline.
Reg managed to snag us a window seat where we relaxed, sipped and enjoyed the view. Finally, it was time to leave and with only two elevators to serve the massive crowds gathered at the top, we found ourselves walking down multiple flights of stairs from the sixth floor. Glad we didn’t drink the full pint!
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