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Trinity College Dublin

A Dublin Landmark

Trinity College Dublin or TCD is one of Ireland’s oldest universities dating back some 427 years. Located just off Grafton Street, it is one of Dublin’s most historic and imposing buildings, attracting over two million visitors each year. Founded in 1592, it was hoped that establishing a university in Dublin would give the city a higher status, and bring it into the mainstream of European learning.

The University

Today Trinity College offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, masters and doctorate programs in its hallowed halls and still retains its standing as one of the most respected universities in Europe and indeed the world. 

Distinguished Trinity alumni include former president Mary McAleese, Senator David Norris, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as well as a host of other notable figures from the worlds of music and drama, including actress Katie Mcgrath and more recently singer-songwriter Hozier. Over the years it has also bestowed some honorary degrees to renowned figures including Catherine Corless, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bob Geldof.

The Campus & Grounds

As the number of visitors has grown in recent years, it’s recommended to take an official guided tour to make the most of your visit. Guided tours of the campus take place daily and last approximately 35 minutes. The tour includes the four major squares of the university and is run by Authenticity Tours, situated at the Front Gate. To take a tour simply turn up and buy a ticket. Advanced booking is not available and cash is the preferred payment method. 

The summer schedule for the tour is as follows:

May-August Trinity Tours

Tours run approximately every 20 minutes.

The first tour takes place at around 9 am, with the final tour at around 4 pm.

However, it’s important to note that the schedule for the tours usually appears on the front gate each day and should take precedence over any information found online. 

Places To Eat And Drink

Students, staff and visitors have a wide choice of places to eat and drink on campus. 

The Old Dining Hall

Students are served a selection of hot and cold dishes, along with delicious desserts in the elegant Old Dining Hall. Opening hours are 12 noon to 3.00pm Monday to Friday. The dining hall opens at lunchtime only during term.

The Perch Café

This quaint cafe is located on the ground floor of the Arts Building, near the Book of Kells exhibition and the Old Library, making it ideal for tourists. Find local produce and an abundance of home baked goods, hot and cold food items along with coffees, teas, smoothies and juices. There’s also a lovely outdoor area where you can sit with a hot beverage and watch the world go by. Open weekdays from 8.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 6.00pm on Friday.

Aras an Phiarsaigh Coffee Area

Located in the centre of the Trinity campus, this is a great little cafe to purchase a quick pick-me-up coffee and sweet treat. Open weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 3.30pm on Friday. 

The Book of Kells & The Old Library Exhibition

 One of Trinity’s premier attractions, besides the building itself, is The Book of Kells. The precious artefact is a 9th century manuscript that documents the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. It is considered one of Ireland’s greatest cultural masterpieces and one of the most famous medieval manuscripts on earth. The manuscript has been shown in a number of regions across the world, including Canberra in Australia but today it remains on permanent exhibition in the Old Library at Trinity.  The Old Library is truly a stunning piece of architecture. A little known fact is that it was the inspiration for the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft & Wizardy in the fictional Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. If you plan on viewing the exhibition for The Book of Kells, it’s recommended to allow at least 40 minutes to 1 hour to make the most of your visit.

Science Gallery Dublin

Located just meters away from the old Trinity building, is the Science Gallery Dublin on Pearse Street, which opened in 2008. The building is part of the Global Science Gallery Network pioneered by Trinity College and a welcome addition to the city’s many attractions.  Head along to check out the latest exhibitions on Science & Technology and afterwards, enjoy a cup of coffee in the bright & airy cafe. 

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin is a large university campus and tourist attraction in the centre of Dublin city.

Directions

Hotels Near Trinity College

The Alex Suite Bedroom

The Alex

The Alex Hotel is a stylish, boutique hotel in the Dublin 2 district on the south side of the city. It’s tucked away in a quiet part of town, but a short walk from all the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street, with attractions such as Merrion Square,  and the National Gallery on its doorstep, as well as being a hotel near Trinity College.

Walking Time: 10 minutes
Dublin Bus: 10 minutes
By Car: 5 minutes
By Taxi: €4 – €5

Get directions from The Alex Hotel to Trinity College.

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The Davenport Suite Bedroom

The Davenport

The Davenport Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel that combines the splendour of Georgian Dublin reimagined with the best of 21st-century facilities. This hotel is located in Dublin 2 and is close to many of the attractions that the south side of the Dublin city has to offer.

Walking Time: 10 minutes
Dublin Bus: 10 minutes
By Car: 5 minutes
By Taxi: €4 – €5

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The Mont Classic Bedroom-min

The Mont

The Mont Hotel is a modern, designer hotel in the heart of Dublin city. Enjoy style and luxury in a location adjacent to Trinity College and Merrion Square which ensures that you are at the heart of the action, whether you’re in Dublin for business or pleasure.

Walking Time: 9 minutes
Dublin Bus: 9 minutes
By Car: 4 minutes
By Taxi: €4 – €5

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The Green Hotel Dublin Bedroom

The Green

Wake up with the iconic Stephen’s Green Park on your doorstep at one of Dublin’s most central hotels. The Green Hotel is also a stone throw from Dublin’s premier shopping street, Grafton St. and the Stephens Green shopping centre.

Walking Time: 11 minutes
Dublin Bus: 12 minutes
By Car: 13 minutes
By Taxi: €6 – €7

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Getting To Trinity College from the city centre

Trinity College is easily accessible on foot, by bus and by Luas as it’s right in the heart of the city centre. In fact the Luas stops right outside the building, so it’s a very convenient option indeed.

Here are your travel options from most areas of the city:

On foot

Trinity is just a 10 minute walk from O’Connell Street at a leisurely pace, making it very accessible for most travellers.

From the Spire simply walk towards the GPO and on your way, pass a number of historical statues and monuments, including the Jim Larkin statue, the William Smith O’Brien statue and the O’Connell monument.

You will then cross the famous O’Connell bridge, which marks the traditional Northside-Southside city divide. Hang a right onto Aston Quay briefly and continue left onto the bustling Westmoreland Street. At the end of this street you will reach College Green and the Trinity building will come into view on your left. Continue onto College Green and the gates to Trinity. Enter through the famous wooden double doors which are open daily.

 By Bus

If you are travelling from other areas of the city, the bus is a convenient option for most tourists. A number of routes serve the university including the 46a (one of the best bus routes in the capital!), the 4 and the 155, which all stop on Nassau Street.

There are also plenty of options serving nearby Dawson Street including the 37, 38,38a, 39a and route 70.

By Luas

The Cross City Luas line opened in December 2017 and now runs directly to the new Trinity stop on the Green line. Serving Broombridge & Cabra from the North and as far as Cherrywood from the South, it’s a no-nonsense transport option from both sides of the city.

Parking near Trinity College

The university does not have parking available. However, there are a number of public carparks which are a short distance away. Here are a few options:

Trinity Street Car park (APCOA Parking) :

 Located on Trinity St 

 From €4 per hour

 

Park Rite

Located at 52-57 Fleet Street

€3.60 per hour. Special Night Rate from 18:00 onwards to 09:00am next morning: €12.00

 

Q-Park Setanta

Located at Setanta Place, Molesworth Street

€4 per hour. Up to 24 hours – € 40.00. Evenings (7pm – 8am ) € 10.00

 

Brown Thomas Car Park

Located on 49 Clarendon St

€3.60 per hour.  4 Hours costs €15.40 and €3.60 per hour thereafter

See more from the O’Callaghan Collection’s things to do in Dublin guide