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A veritable treasure trove of medieval art, the Book of Kells is one of the most fabulous examples of 9th-century calligraphy and illumination. Also known as the Great Gospel Book of Saint Columba, the manuscript would actually recount the 4 Gospels of the New Testament, through numerous ornaments and finely calligraphed texts. On display at Trinity College (Dublin University), thousands of visitors flock to the school every year to see it!

History of the Book of Kells

A treasure created by 9th-century monks

The Book of Kells – Public domain

The Book of Kells is said to have been created by monks around 800 AD, in the monastery of Iona, on an island off the west coast of Scotland. Following the violence of the Viking invasions, the monks fled from the island to County Meath in Ireland, where they protected the Book of Kells in the monastery of Kells (hence its name).

The book remained in the monastery until 1654, when the manuscript was sent to Dublin for protection from Cromwell’s garrison. In 1661, it was presented to Trinity College, which then requested permission to keep it. Since then, the Book of Kells has never left Dublin University, and is carefully preserved in the Old Library. After many restorations (mainly to the binding), the University of Dublin decided to put the manuscript on permanent display in the 1800s.

Even today, Trinity College offers the opportunity to discover this book through a visit to a small museum and the Old Library.

See the Book of Kells at Trinity College

An exhibition in the heart of Trinity College

The Book of Kells in its new showcase

Trinity College’s main courtyard gives you access to the Old Library, as well as to a fine exhibition devoted to the art of illumination. You’ll be able to learn about the principles of medieval art and discover some original pages from the Book of Kells in a separate room…

You’ll be able to testify to the finesse and quality of every lettering, text and illumination on every page. Each story features an ornate lettering of colorful interlacing and gold leaf, as well as beautifully calligraphed text.

Practical Guide