Trinity College, Dublin

Trinity College, Dublin (must see)

Nestled in the heart of the city, Trinity College stands as an imposing architectural set piece with a history dating back to its founding in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Initially established to shield Irish students from what was perceived as the influence of Catholicism at European universities, the institution has since evolved into a renowned seat of learning, welcoming notable alumni ranging from politicians and philosophers to Nobel laureates and literary giants such as Swift, Wilde, and Beckett.

Perched on College Green, amidst the urban landscape, Trinity College offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past and present-day aspirations. While some corners of the campus may be off-limits depending on the whims of the seasons, sauntering through the gates of the west front unveils the picturesque Parliament Square, where the Chapel and Examination Hall flank the lawn with elegant symmetry, occasionally playing host to concerts. Venturing a bit further, across Library Square, you'll stumble upon the red-brick Rubrics, the college's oldest surviving building, dating back to the early 18th century. The highlight, however, is the Old Library, home to Trinity's oldest books and the legendary 9th-century Book of Kells manuscript, celebrated as a masterpiece of medieval artistry.

But wait, there's more! Beyond the Old Library lies Fellows' Square, bordered by the modernist Berkeley Library and the Arts Building, housing the contemporary Douglas Hyde Gallery, a hub for cutting-edge Irish and international art exhibitions. And as you meander through New Square, you'll find the School of Engineering, which finds its home in the ornate Museum Building, an extravagant display of Venetian Gothic architecture adorned with intricate stone carvings of animals and floral motifs that spark the imagination.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dublin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Trinity College on Map

Sight Name: Trinity College
Sight Location: Dublin, Ireland (See walking tours in Dublin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Dublin, Ireland

Create Your Own Walk in Dublin

Create Your Own Walk in Dublin

Creating your own self-guided walk in Dublin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dublin Introduction Walking Tour

Dublin Introduction Walking Tour

Sitting on the country's east coast, the capital of the Republic of Ireland is the national center for education, arts, administration and industry. The name Dublin derives from the Irish word Dubhlind. Dubh means "black, dark", and lind means "pool", referring to a dark tidal pool located where the River Poddle enters the Liffey.

Dublin celebrated its “official”...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
A Walk with Famous Irish Writers

A Walk with Famous Irish Writers

Albeit a small country, Ireland has given the world a plethora of remarkable writers and poets, many of whom were born, lived, and studied in Dublin. Needless to say, as an epicenter of Ireland's literary scene, Dublin boasts a myriad of hallowed locations closely associated with the luminaries of Irish literature, such as James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and many of their...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Dublin Literary Pubs

Dublin Literary Pubs

The three Ps of Dublin – the pub, the poet, and the pint – have always distinguished the Irish capital as home to some of the most literary pubs in Europe. Indeed, Dublin's public houses, where writers traditionally sharpened their wit, today encapsulate the enchantment of the written word and play a significant role in preserving and celebrating this legacy.

Among these revered...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
A Walk Along Liffey River

A Walk Along Liffey River

The Liffey River is a major waterway that flows through the Irish capital, stretching approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) and dividing the city into two halves: the Northside and the Southside.

A stroll along the river is bound to take you to the places steeped in history, associated with the events and people that played a significant role in the culture and development of Dublin, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Pub Crawl

Pub Crawl

The Irish in general and Dubliners in particular are known for their passion for whiskey and beer. As you embark upon a beguiling odyssey through the spirited streets of the Irish capital, you can't help noticing the reverberating vibrancy coming from its enchanting pubs. A tapestry of libation-laden lore awaits those who traverse the path of the Dublin pub crawl, guided by the siren call of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


16 Distinctively Irish Things to Buy in Dublin

16 Distinctively Irish Things to Buy in Dublin

The birthplace of many artistic talents, such as Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde, Dublin is the show-window of Ireland, a small country renowned for its rich cultural scene encompassing music, writing, poetry, dance, craftsmanship and more. The food & drink scene of Dublin (much as the whole of...