We have read about the conservation efforts taking place for the 20,000 or more books in the library. We will be there first week of April. Is the actual "Book of Kells" there or has it been moved? Is it still worth the tour if most of the books are missing right now? Any other issues regarding the conservation efforts that might impact a tour? We also plan to walk the Trinity College grounds while we are there. As always, a great big THANK YOU to the experts who help us on this amazing site!!
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
855 posts
Unless the website mentions big news, I'd assume the actual Book will be displayed open to one page. The main library is mostly empty shelves but the statues are all still there. There will be at least a few bays of books still intact.
I think I would have been underwhelmed even if everything was intact, but that's just me.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2102 posts
I agree with the previous poster, when I was there the Book of Kells was underwhelming. They only exhibit one page and they alternate to save the pages and the day I was there, the page was very plain with none of the lovely artistry. The library on the other hand was wonderful. I enjoyed that much more.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9211 posts
Anyone know when the renovation will be completed? I could not find out by Searching. I was there 40+ years ago, and agree the library itself was much more interesting than the Book.
Posted by
49 posts
I can't comment on this specifically but depending on what you're after, the Chester Beatty Library may be of interest.
We're planning our first trip to Ireland in June and had planned to see the Book of Kells but after reading some comments online that it's rather underwhelming and you only see the one open page of it, we've decided to go to the Chester Beatty Library instead (which has the bonus of being free) and it may similarly be of interest to you.
Posted by
Chicago
3441 posts
I have tickets for my May trip. I’m still very much interested in seeing the library, even if all the books are not currently on display. Yes, the Book of Kells remains on display until the end of 2025.
You can find some info here:
https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells/old-library-redevelopment-project/
https://www.visittrinity.ie/blog/books-removed-from-trinity-library/
Posted by
6 posts
If you care anything about Irish history or art history for that matter, seeing the Book of Kells is a bucket list item (as it was for me). They are trying to preserve the book, so it is behind glass in a dimly lit room opened to two pages. Depending on when you visit, it might be open to one fully illustrated spread.