trinity dublin visit

A Guide To Visiting Trinity College In Dublin (History + Tour)

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

A visit to Trinity College is one of the most popular things to do in Dublin .

Not only are its grounds lovely to walk around, it’s also home to a ton of history and some stunning artifacts, from The Book of Kells to the stunning Long Room and more.

And, while the grounds are free to have a ramble around, there’s also a paid tour that you can take, but more on that in a minute.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from the history of Trinity College in Dublin and what there is to see to the tours and more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Trinity College in Dublin

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

Although a visit to Trinity College in Dublin is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Trinity College’s central location makes it perfect for quick and easy visits. Situated just south of the Liffey and to the immediate east of the popular Temple Bar, the college is easily accessible by public transport – the Luas Green line stops right outside the College Green entrance and most city centre buses have a stop nearby.

2. Ireland’s highest ranked university

Trinity College isn’t just Ireland’s highest-ranked university, it’s one of the finest in the world and is just a hair’s breadth outside of the global top 100 (it’s ranked joint 101st). It’s also the 17th most international university, attracting a hugely diverse number of applicants and students.

3. Home to a heap of history

Founded way back in the 16th century, the college has seen a ton of changes unfold within its walls and outside them over the course of its 400+ year history. From significant political developments to some of Ireland’s most well-known public figures making their mark here, there are endless stories to tell.

4. Plenty to see and do

While it might be a living and breathing university for its students, Trinity College leads a double life as a popular Dublin attraction, and there are loads to check out. From its pleasant greens to the Book of Kells and the stunning library, you can definitely pass a few hours in this elegant quarter of the capital.

The history of Trinity College

Though Trinity College has a long history, it wasn’t actually the first university in Dublin. Founded in 1320 by the Pope, the Medieval University of Dublin was the city’s first attempt at establishing a university in the city and while it lasted a couple of hundred years, it was ended by Henry VIII’s Reformation.

Created by a royal charter

Trinity College Dublin was created by royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 amid the thought that it would bring prestige to Ireland at a time when many other European countries were also founding important centres of education.

The new university was to be built on the former site of All Hallows monastery to the southeast of the city walls, where Trinity College still stands today.

Growth years and religious questions

The 18th century was when Dublin started to see Trinity College emerge as a significant part of the city and many of its grand buildings were constructed alongside the elegant green and parks.

Following the Reformation, this time period in Britain and Ireland was an era of ascendancy for Protestants and for many years, Catholics were not allowed to join the university. It was only in 1793 that Catholics were finally allowed admission to Trinity College, but even then, they were not allowed to be elected to Scholarship, Fellowship or be made a Professor.

Finally, in 1873, all religious tests were abolished, although Catholic Bishops themselves encouraged Catholics not to attend due to the university’s protestant history.

The 20th and 21st centuries

An important development kickstarted the 20th century as women were admitted to Trinity College as full members for the first time in 1904. Another huge event took place just over a decade later, as the 1916 Easter Rising engulfed Dublin, and the university was lucky to escape unscathed. In fact, many of the discussions about what an Irish Free State would look like took place at Trinity in the aftermath of 1916.

The true growth in student numbers at the university began in 1970 when the Catholic Church relaxed its policy on Catholics attending Trinity College, and this led to new courses and buildings, especially in sciences and computing.

Now in the 21st century, Trinity is an iconic part of Dublin enjoyed by visitors and students alike.

Things to do at Trinity College

One of the reasons that Trinity is one of the most popular places to visit in Dublin is due to the sheer volume of things there are to see and do.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from the Book of Kells and the general architecture to the Long Room and more.

1. See the Book of Kells

Photo left: Public Domain. Right: Ireland’s Content Pool

Top of most visitors lists when they visit Trinity College is this extraordinary book , and believe me when I tell you it isn’t like other books! Dating back to the 9th century, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book written entirely in Latin. Though to be honest, just saying the word ‘illuminated’ doesn’t quite do justice to just how elaborate this ancient book is.

Made from high-quality calf vellum and extending to a total of 680 pages, some of the pages contain colourful, ornate illustrations of various religious figures and symbols that appear either by themselves or alongside the text.

2. Visit the Long Room

Photos via Shutterstock

Put any library interior up against the Long Room inside the Library of Trinity College, and I’d say most would pale in comparison – this is Dublin architecture at its finest.

Yes, there’s a touch of hubris within that statement, but I stand by it! Three hundred years old and 65 metres long, there’s a good reason why the Long Room is one of the most photographed rooms in Dublin.

Admire its elegant wooden structure and how it’s lined with marble busts of prominent writers, philosophers and supporters of the college. The Long Room is also the longest single-chamber library in the world, housing some 200,000 books and including one of the last remaining copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

3. Grab a coffee and wander around the grounds

Photos via Coffeeangel on Facebook

The leafy grounds of Trinity College are some of the prettiest in Dublin and it goes without saying that you should spend a bit of time just strolling around exploring them. Whether it’s before or after your visit to the Library, it doesn’t really matter as there’s no rush on this particular activity.

And since the university is located at the bottom of Grafton Street, it’s a short walk from some of the best coffee shops in Dublin .

4. Drop into The Douglas Hyde Gallery

Focusing on artists who push at the boundaries of form and convention and who also might be overlooked or marginalised, The Douglas Hyde is one of the more popular art galleries in Dublin , and you’ll find it at Trinity College’s Nassau Street Gate.

If you’re feeling inspired by the art inside the Book of Kells then this could be the place for you! First opened in 1978, the gallery has showcased work by significant  Irish artists such as Sam Keogh, Kathy Prendergast and Eva Rothschild and also brought well-regarded international artists to Ireland for the first time too, including Marlene Dumas, Gabriel Kuri and Alice Neel.

Places to visit near Trinity College

One of the beauties of the Trinity College tour is that, when you’re finished, you’re a short walk from many of the best things to do in Dublin .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Trinity (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Irish Whiskey Museum

Trinity College developed some of Ireland’s finest minds (Oscar Wilde, for example) and just a stone’s throw from the university you can learn all about another of Ireland’s most well-known exports. Opened in 2014 and independent of any distillery, the Irish Whiskey Museum offers visitors the opportunity to taste and experience a huge selection of Irish Whiskey.

2. Dublin Castle

Photo by Matej Hudovernik (Shutterstock)

If Dublin Castle doesn’t really resemble a traditional castle in the way you might see one in a movie, that’s because the cylindrical Record Tower is the only remaining remnant of the old Medieval castle. It’s a fascinating place, though and was the seat of British power in Ireland until it was handed over to Michael Collins and the Provisional Government of Ireland in 1922.

3. Endless attractions in the city

Photo left: SAKhanPhotography. Photo right: Sean Pavone (Shutterstock)

With its handy central location, there are loads of other Dublin attractions to check out within a short walk or a tram or taxi ride. Whether you want to learn about the city’s most famous export at the Guinness Storehouse or go for a bucolic stroll through St Stephen’s Green , there’s plenty of entertaining directions to head when you’re leaving from Trinity College.

4. Food and trad bars

Photos via Tomahawk Steakhouse on Facebook

Located next to the famous Temple Bar area, there’s a plethora of pubs, bars and restaurants to get stuck into when you’ve finished exploring Trinity College. Here are some guides to nip into:

• 22 of the best restaurants in Dublin
• 7 of the oldest pubs in Dublin
• 10 mighty pubs in Dublin with music

FAQs about visiting Trinity College in Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Can you visit Trinity College Library Dublin?’ to ‘Is it hard to get into Trinity College Dublin?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Can you walk around Trinity College Dublin?

Yes. You can walk around the grounds of the college. You can also visit the Long Room in the Old Library as part of the Trinity College Tour.

Is the Trinity College tour worth doing?

If by the Trinity College tour you mean the Book of Kells tour, then yes, the Trinity College tour is well worth doing, as it’s packed with info.

Was Harry Potter filmed in Trinity College?

No. Although the Long Room looks like the library from Hogwarts, it wasn’t actually used during the filming.

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• Trinity Trails

New tour for Pride month

The pride of trinity trails.

Take an immersive walking tour through Trinity’s historic campus, while learning about the university’s involvement in LGBTQ+ history.

Discover iconic architecture

Begin your tour at the Campanile in the heart of Trinity’s Front Square. Learn about the interesting superstition it holds amongst students and hear the secrets of the 18th century buildings surrounding it.

Walk in the footsteps of famous alumni

Walk along pathways that were once frequented by some of Ireland’s most famous writers, actors and changemakers. You’ll pass by the homes of two of the world’s oldest student societies, with past members such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and Mary Robinson.

Step inside the stunning Museum Building

Step into the breathtaking Museum building, which you may recognise as the location from some recently filmed blockbuster movies. Explore its ornate foyer which is filled with beautiful Irish marble and an exquisite ceiling which will take your breath away.

Immerse yourself in Trinity’s colourful flora and fauna

Soak up Trinity’s tranquil, leafy squares and learn about the rich biodiversity across the campus. Keep an eye out for native plant life and the unique ways Trinity is protecting nesting birds and bees across its 47 acre campus.

Book of Kells Experience & Trinity Trails

Our expert guides.

Video Gallery

Testimonials

Terrific campus walking tour with Luca The highlight of our time at Trinity College was the walking tour with Luca. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining – the perfect mix for an outstanding tour guide.

Guided campus tour highly recommended We took the guided tour of the campus that included a visit to the library. The tour with Sarah was excellent – she was bright, funny and knowledgeable. The campus is beautiful and the stories behind some of the buildings are fascinating. The old library was of course amazing as well.

• Book of Kells Experience

• Best Price Guarantee You won't find a better deal anywhere else!
• No Booking Fee Book Now - Pay Later!
• Free Cancellation Up to 72 hours before arrival
• City-Centre Location Located in the heart of Dublin City

Trinity College in Dublin: The Complete Guide

How to explore Ireland's most famous university and the Book of Kells

Aitormmfoto/Getty Images

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland that is still in operation today. The historic college is an unmissable part of the Dublin landscape and sits right in the center of the city. Its hallowed halls have educated some of Ireland’s most famous figures over more than 400 years of distinguished operation.

From its history to its must-see sights, here is your guide to visiting Trinity College in Dublin.

Trinity College has been a part of higher education in Ireland for centuries but it is not technically Ireland’s oldest university. The Medieval College of Dublin was established in 1320, but closed down due to lack of funds and changing political pressures during the Protestant Reformation.  

Founded in 1592, Trinity College has its own ties to the Reformation. The college was established on the site of a former monastery by royal charter by Queen Elizabeth to stop the Irish from being “infected with popery and other ill qualities” at universities in Italy, Spain and France.

Starting in 1637, Catholics were banned from attending Trinity, a ban which stayed in place until the Catholic Relief Act of 1793. However, bans can go both ways and even though Catholic students were technically allowed in, they were never allowed to achieve the same recognition as scholars. Because of these rules, the Catholic Church retaliated and banned its faithful from enrolling at Trinity until 1970.

These days, Trinity College is the most prestigious university in Ireland and has a student body of all genders and religions.

Famous Graduates

Many famous scholars have roamed the halls of Trinity in the 400 years since the college first opened its doors. Some of the most notable graduates are Nobel-prize winners Ernest Walton (physics) and Samuel Beckett (literature). In addition to Beckett, other world-renowned authors who studied at Trinity include Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker.

Trinity has also educated famous Irish politicians including the first president of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, as well as Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, who also both served as presidents of Ireland. And though Trinity was first known for its Anglican leanings, some of the most important figures in the fight for Ireland’s independence were also educated here. That includes Theobald Wolfe Tone who graduated with a degree in law in 1786 and went on to lead an Irish rebellion; as did Robert Emmet who studied here but then led the 1803 revolt.

Trinity College offers official tours of the campus to learn about the history, experience the modern day-to-day life of Trinners (slang for Trinity College students), tour the celebrated library, as well as to see the university’s most famous attractions: the Book of Kells.

The Trinity College Library is a deposit library, which means that it has a copy of every book printed in Ireland. It is also entitled to a copy of any book printed in the United Kingdom — all free of charge. Over the years, the library has amassed a collection of more than 5 million volumes.

The most famous of all, however, is undoubtedly the priceless Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is one of the most important illuminated manuscripts in the world. The book was created in the 9th century by Irish monks who wrote elaborately scrolled text and created detailed decorations on each page of the four gospels included in the calf-skin book. Only two pages from each of the two volumes are on display at any time, but it is an essential stop on any Dublin itinerary. The book has been on display in Trinity’s Old Library since 1661.

While most people have to take a tour, or buy a ticket, to see the Book of Kells, one of the many perks of studying at Trinity is that students are allowed to visit the celebrated manuscript as much as they would like — free of charge.

However, there is a plus side to being a visitor instead of a student. There is an old superstition that says any student who walks under the bell tower while the bell is tolling will fail their exams. That means the beautiful campanile is usually free of crowds — except on graduation day when the graduates (who have now passed all their tests) march underneath it.

If you would like to explore the campus on your own, the main entrance is the most impressive and opens onto Front Square. However, you can also access the campus from Nassau Street and through the entrance off of Lincoln Place.

What Else to Do Nearby

Trinity College is truly in the heart of Dublin and there is plenty to do nearby. First, head to the National Gallery to admire the extensive collection which includes works by Rembrandt and Diego Velazquez. After taking in the art, stroll along Merrion Square , where you can see the most impressive examples of Georgian architecture in the city.

The award-winning and thought-provoking Science Gallery is also nearby, or you can head up Grafton Street to experience the liveliest shopping area in Dublin. Otherwise, unwind with a pint and some live Irish music at O’Donoghue’s — one of the best pubs in the Irish capital . 

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Everything to know about visiting the historic Trinity College in Dublin

Trinity College is full of fascinating history and things to do

• 17:51, 29 APR 2024
• Updated 22:52, 29 APR 2024

Trinity College Dublin is a hugely popular attraction for those visiting Ireland's capital city. The historic campus is, at times, an Instagrammer's dream.

However, it is also a fascinating place for history lovers. The extensive campus is located in Dublin City Center, stretching from College Green all the way to Pearse Street.

For many, it is an essential stop when in Dublin. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Trinity College Dublin.

• New path for one of Ireland's most scenic viewpoints opens

Unique Irish island trip you can take from Dublin that many don't know about

Is Trinity College Dublin free to visit?

Yes. You can explore the campus of Trinity College for free. On a sunny day, you can enjoy the manicured fields and walk around the old architecture.

However, there are experiences within Trinity College Dublin that you can pay for.

Are there tours of Trinity College Dublin?

You can take a guided tour of Trinity College Dublin's campus. On these tours, you will discover old architecture, learn about famous alumni of the university, and even learn about the flora and fauna found on the campus.

The 45-minute walking tours of the campus cost €16.

The Book of Kells experience

Also located on the campus of Trinity College Dublin is the new and improved Book of Kells experience . The Book of Kells has been a longtime favorite for tourists visiting Ireland and it has recently been incorporated into an immersive new visitor experience.

The experience first brings visitors to view the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The Old Library in Trinity College Dublin might be familiar to movie fans as it was the inspiration for the sets of some huge film franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter .

After you have marveled at the book itself and the gorgeous library, the experience moves on. Enter the Secret Life of the Collections, where you will see stories and sculptures come to life before your eyes. You will then be immersed in the 360° pavilion The Book of Kells 360.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

• Most Recent

How to Visit Trinity College Library in Dublin

Planning my trip to Dublin, Ireland , I thought that a visit to Trinity College Library was at most importance for such a bookworm like me. I was wrong. Filled with some of the most prominent national treasures, a visit to Trinity College Library tops itineraries of almost every traveler who explores Dublin for the first time .

Last updated: February 25, 2024

How to Visit the Library of Trinity College Dublin

A long, symmetrical room entices your eyes, creating an illusion that there is no end to these massive walls. Day and artificial lights seem to also be overwhelmed by the size of the room. Unable to unveil centuries-old secrets of the Long Room of the Trinity College Library , they settle for a rather humble visit.

But even in this dim light, you can see books. A great amount of them. In fact, there are so many books that they fill all the shelves that align the tall walls.

This was my first virtual visit to the Long Room of the Trinity College Library in Dublin . I wasn’t looking for any specific pictures to inspire my first trip to the capital of Ireland . But, frankly, they came in handy. Once I laid my eyes on the photos of the Library of Trinity College Dublin, I knew I had to visit it sooner or later.

Meet Trinity College Dublin

Fast forward a few weeks and I marched straight to Trinity College in attempt to see its famous library on my first day in Dublin. Despite the early morning hours, the place was packed.

Tourists, impressed by the size and opulent architecture of Trinity College, gathered in the main square. Just arrived college students were hurriedly leaving the maddening crowds behind and streaming in different directions of the campus.

After admiring the main square for a few more minutes, I followed their lead.

Visit Trinity College Dublin

Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is one of the oldest universities in Western Europe. Its creation came in time when European cities strived for prestige and significance that would be bestowed on them upon the establishment of their own universities. For Ireland and Dublin, having its own university also meant an alignment with European school system and weakening of English control over the country.

Interestingly enough, Queen Elizabeth I, often called “the mother of a university”, founded the college. The royalty modeled the new establishment after the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Sadly, only one college, the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was built in the city.

The long official name of the institution, however, never gained popularity. Even today, both locals and visitors stick to the shorter names, such as Trinity College or University of Dublin.

Not being particularly popular, the early establishment occupied only a small part of today’s Front Square. The place set outside the walls of the city. As Dublin grew, it slowly swallowed the university, positioning it in the center of the city.

Today Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest surviving university, occupies 47 acres (190,000 square meters). It is recognized as one of the seven ancient universities of Great Britain and Ireland and one of the top academic institutions in Europe .

Library of Trinity College Dublin

One thing that differentiated Trinity College Dublin from other European newly-established universities was its eagerness and urgency of assembling its own library. Although the Library of Trinity College Dublin didn’t have its own space until the beginning of the 18th century, its collection started to grow almost instantly.

In 1661, Henry Jones presented the library with the Book of Kells. Up to this day, this ancient manuscript is one of the reasons why many people visit the Trinity College Library in the first place. In 1801, the library received legal deposit rights, allowing it to hold a copy of every book published in Ireland.

It was only a matter of time for such devotion and love for books to take shape in several buildings. Six of these library establishments are located on the Trinity College campus.

Visit the Old Library of Trinity College

While all the library buildings hold impressive book collections, the Old Library is the highlight of the visit to Trinity College Dublin.

The construction of the building started in 1712 and lasted twenty years. At the time of its completion, it was one of the tallest buildings on the campus. You can hardly notice the large scale of the Old Library when visiting Trinity College Dublin nowadays. Other structures of similar size surround the building, making it less profound from outside.

The interior, however, unveils the unprecedented character of the most famous library in the country. Even J.K. Rowling couldn’t resist it, using the Library of Trinity College Dublin as an inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter .

Read more: How to Visit Cuypers Library in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The Long Room

The highlight of the visit to the Old Library is the Long Room. Home to 200,000 books and manuscripts, this 65-meter-long chamber impresses with an old charm and the 19th-century decor.

With its barrel-vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling bookcases, the Long Room is rather dark. The natural light penetrates into the chamber through large windows. But trapped between the endless book shelves, the sun rays lose almost all their power by the time they make halfway through the room.

Fortunately, 14 white marble busts create a welcoming resonance, allowing for more light inside to the obvious delight of all those who visit the Long Room of the Library of Trinity College Dublin for the first time. Lining the chamber, these sculptures help your eyes adjust to the dim light quicker.

Once the overall darkness of the room ceases to bother the visitors of the Trinity College Library, the busts present themselves in full glory. The marble faces of great philosophers and writers of the Western World suddenly become your silent guides. With their strong connections with Trinity College Dublin, you can’t ask for the more knowledgeable companions.

The Book of Kells

While the Long Room entices with the Brian Boru Harp and one of the last remaining copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic , the Book of Kells always steals the show.

The finest example of the illuminated manuscript dates back to 800 AD. It contains the four Gospels of the New Testament with such opulent illustrations and ornamentations that surpass those in other Insular Gospel books.

The Book of Kells has been one the most cherished possession of the Trinity College Library since 1661. The manuscript first appeared on display only in the 19th century. To this day, thousands of tourists visit the Trinity College Library in attempt to see this ancient book.

Read more: Step Inside 7 of the World’s Most Remarkable Libraries

Planning Your Visit to Trinity College Library

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Admission to Trinity College Dublin

To visit Trinity College Dublin and learn more about its history, including its famous library, you can join student-led tours. They run from June though September. The ticket includes a tour through the college and admission to the Book of Kells. The tours are optional. If it is not your cup of tea, skip them and explore the Trinity College Dublin at your own pace, free of charge.

Admission and Times to Visit Trinity College Library and See Its Exhibits

Trinity College Library and its exhibits are open to visit seven days a week. You can purchase tickets online. The admission to the Book of Kells exhibit also includes a visit to the Old Library and the Long Room of the Library of Trinity College Dublin.

• Monday – Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Getting to Trinity College

Due to its central location, you can visit the Trinity College Library while exploring other landmarks of the city. Although Dublin’s public transport functions well, I would recommend exploring the center of the city on foot. Dublin with its colorful abundance offers many interesting places you otherwise risk to miss. Moreover, Trinity College Dublin is just a short walk away from Temple Bar and the famous Ha’penny Bridge.

• Inside Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin

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Hi, if I understand correctly, the admission fee is 18€ for the both of them and only for 30 minutes, which I find quite expensive. Is it possible to buy a ticket only for the old library (without the book of Kells)?

I’m afraid you have to pay for both, even if you don’t want to see the Book of Kells. There are discounts for students and seniors. I used my California student ID to purchase the ticket. When it comes to the time inside the library, I definitely took my sweet time and spent more than 30 minutes. Nobody rushed me out or checked what time I entered the library.

Must a ticket be purchased to simply visit the Long Hall of the Old Library?

The Long Room is one of the main attractions of the library. Yes, tickers are required. Only Trinity College students and staff can visit the library free of charge and bring along up to 2 guests.

Sind die Trinity Bibliotheken zwischen Weihnachten und Neujahr geöffnet?

Ich glaube sie sind geschlossen.

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The Book of Kells

Trinity College, in Dublin City, is Ireland’s oldest university and home to the world famous 9th century manuscript, the Book of Kells. A handwritten copy of the four gospels of the New Testament, the Book of Kells is filled with ornate Latin text and intricate illustrations. View the ancient manuscript in the heart of the Old Library, before marvelling at the awe inspiring Long Room library chamber. Some of the Long Room’s hidden gems include the Brian Boru Harp, Ireland's oldest surviving harp, and a rare original copy of the Proclamation, a seminal text in Irish history.

A once in a lifetime event is currently taking place in the Old Library, and 200,000 books are now removed from the Long Room library chamber. On your visit you will witness this historic event, which is part of the landmark Old Library Redevelopment Project.

Make the most out of your visit and add on a tour of Trinity campus with the Book of Kells and Trinity Trails tour.

Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute

View the contact page for more contact and location information

• ULYSSES European Odyssey

Ireland is final destination for ULYSSES European Odyssey project

As votes for the European elections are being counted this week, citizens across the EU have been taking part in an epic project across 18 cities in 16 countries with a view to creating a new arts and society charter for Europe.

In advance of Bloomsday, the ULYSSES European Odyssey 2022-2024 project brought its fifth and final Partners' Gathering to Dublin this week. The Dublin GASS (Grand Arts & Society Symposium), was hosted by the Trinity Long Room Hub with the British Council Ireland as its symposium partner. 

For the past two years, this large-scale European collaboration led by Brave New World Producties with lead artistic partner ARTS OVER BORDERS has taken place across 18 cities in 16 countries, producing artistic responses in public spaces to social and cultural themes identified in the 18 episodes of James Joyce’s Ulysses .

Seán Doran and Liam Browne are the Artistic Directors of Arts Over Borders. Commenting on the project’s inspiration, Liam pointed to the centenary of the publication of Ulysses in 2022 and the associated celebrations in Ireland but said “what interested us more than anything was that Joyce was a European.”

“The fact that he wrote Trieste, Paris and Zurich at the end of the novel itself was almost a statement of saying that these places were so important to him.”

From there, the project directors started identifying a contemporary theme from each episode of the literary masterpiece to prompt new ways of engaging with it.

Finding appropriate partners was the next step, explained Liam, who highlighted the hesitation among partners because they hadn’t actually read Ulysses . “The only requirement we had for partners was that their public event should be in some way related to a public space in their city because Joyce had always argued that the city was a great civilising influence.” He also noted the importance of coming back to the public space post-Covid and engaging citizens outside the arts.  

The project, co-funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Ireland, includes 18 public symposia in each city with the goal of creating a new arts and society charter for Europe.  

Contemporary arts and society themes from socio-ecological challenges to urban renewal have been explored in each city’s mini-symposium and will result in a published creative statement, structured in the form of 309 questions (as inspired by Episode 17 of Ulysses ) regarding the role the Arts could play in society for a better future Europe. The creative statement, chARTer 309, will be published on the UEO website in the Autumn of 2024.

In Dublin, artistic partner Museum of Literature Ireland (MOLI) held a multidisciplinary festival on the theme of home from June 7-9 with a series of events featuring prominent Irish writers and musicians ( HOMESWEETHOME ).

The last of the public events as part of the UEO Project will take place across Derry and Donegal from the 13-16 June. The ‘YES Festival’ —Ireland’s inaugural all women artists festival-- is a cross border and cross community programme of events inspired by the final Episode 18 (Penelope) of Ulysses , more familiarly known as Molly’s Soliloquy.

The project will culminate in the publication of a book, ULYSSES European Odyssey, in which 18 innovative writers (one from each city/region) will be commissioned to write a response to their city and theme.

Liam said the journey through the project has been “transformative” and has reaffirmed the importance of pan-European collaborations. Coming back to Ireland for the final stages of the project, including to his and Seán’s hometown of Derry, also has a special significance. After capturing diverse voices across Europe, “coming back to Ireland, to Dublin then crossing the border to Derry, that feels like a fitting finale.”

Professor Eve Patten, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, welcomed the international partners to  this week’s GASS symposium. Speaking about the significance of the project, she said: 

“The culmination of the Ulysses European Odyssey in Dublin and Derry will bring to a close a vivid and dynamic engagement with European democracy at a time when that democracy is increasingly under threat. The shaping of a new charter for art, culture, and society-- brilliantly imagined by the project’s European partners in response to Joyce’s 1922 epic -- takes literature right to the heart of the challenges currently facing this continent and its citizens.”

Aoife King, Communications Officer | Trinity Long Room Hub | [email protected] | 01 896 3895