The iconic Rubrics is Trinity’s oldest building, dating back to 1700, and the only surviving structure of the original Library Square. With its red-brick gables and tall hexagonal chimneys, the Rubrics is reminiscent of a 17thcentury painting by Vermeer or De Hooch, although the gables (which Dubliners call ‘Dutch billies’) were only added in 1894.

In 2023, Trinity College completed a project to refurbish and conserve the building. The project aimed to deliver a diverse range of accommodations, including 22 studio/one bedroom residential units, 9 study bedrooms with communal facilities and research/study rooms. The intention is to primarily house academic staff, researchers and students with guest accommodation for visiting scholars and dignitaries.

Beyond its immediate impact on the campus and the college community, the Rubrics’ renovation is providing a model for the sustainable preservation of historic buildings. The university’s commitment to restoring and retrofitting this historic structure sends a powerful message to other institutions and heritage building owners. It highlights the potential for combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative technologies to create sustainable and energy-efficient spaces without compromising architectural integrity.

Meeting point: Main entrance at the Rubrics on Library Square.

This tour is pre-book only.