I decided to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College Library.
The Book of Kells was written around the year 800 AD and is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world. It contains the four gospels, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and canon tables or concordances of gospel passages. It is written on vellum and contains a Latin text of the Gospels in insular majuscule script accompanied by magnificent and intricate whole pages of decoration with smaller painted decorations appearing throughout the text. The manuscript was given to Trinity College in the 17th century and since 1953 has been bound in four volumes. It has been on display in the Old Library since the 19th century. Two volumes can normally be seen, one opened to display a major decorated page, and one to show two pages of script.But for me, the highlight was seeing the Long Room which is the main chamber of the Old Library. It's is nearly 65 metres in length, and houses around 200,000 of the Library's oldest books. When it was originally built, it had a flat plaster ceiling, with shelves for books on the lower level only, and an open gallery. By the 1850s these shelves had become completely full. In 1860 the roof was raised according to plans by the architects Deane and Woodward, to allow the construction of the present barrel-vaulted ceiling and gallery bookcases. Marble busts are placed down either side of the room.
I then spent the rest of day doing some retail therapy. And yes I bought another handbag. So I guess that just leaves Wales (and maybe Paris!!!)...
Tonight was another optional dinner which was part of a Irish night that included singers, dancers and a comedian. At one point the singers even sang a bit of "You Raise Me Up... And for it not being Josh, they did a good job (even if it's one of my least favorite songs - but shhhhh don't tell anyone).
To see my photos from today, click here.
Hotel details
Jurys Tara Hotel
(Kay's hotel rating - good)
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