The Old Library building is home to the world renowned Book of Kells. This imposing building is the masterpiece of Thomas Burgh (1670-1730), chief engineer and surveyor-general of Ireland and it has undergone two major adaptions since its completion in 1732. Originally, the main chamber of the Library was placed over an open ground floor arcade as a precaution against damp. In 1892 this was filled in to make more shelf space for books. The jewel in the Old Library’s crown is undoubtedly the Long Room, regarded by many as Ireland’s most beautiful interior. Alterations by architects Thomas Deane and Benjamin Woodward in 1860 saw the Long Room’s flat plaster ceiling replaced with a barrel-vault and in the words of Professor Edward McParland “what had been superb, they made sublime”.

The Old Library Redevelopment Project is underway. As part of the Old Library’s conservation efforts, all of the books within the Long Room have been removed from the shelves. The team is undergoing a historic project in the Old Library to safeguard the 18th century building and preserve its precious collections.

Meeting point: The Old Library (main door), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2.