What to see in Dublin: Trinity College
Trinity College has always been associated with big names such as Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Sameuel Becket and the great names of Irish politics to this day.
Ireland’s first university
Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I on land originally granted to the Augustinian monastery of All Hallow. Although the foundation dates back to 1592, the college however grew very little until 1700, when Dublin finally experienced a period of economic and social splendour.
Entering the campus through the Front Gate we see many imposing buildings.
The oldest building on campus is the Red Bricks (or rubricks). The Rubricks is the only building that remains standing dating back to the late 1600s, still now used as a residential building by the students and professors of the university.
The Library is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings. Dating back to the early 1700s, in addition to hosting numerous books from all over Europe, it also houses the Book of Kells, an illuminated copy of the four Gospels, on permanent display.
Not far from the Library we see the Examination Hall and the Chapel, both designed by the architect Chamber.
These two mirrored buildings are the same in all respects. The reason? Judged on earth, judged in heaven. The Bell Tower dates back to the mid-1800s designed by the architect Laynon, it is one of the most characteristic buildings of Trinity College. The statues on the other side represent the four subjects studied at the university: Law, Theology, Medicine and Science.
..but women?
Speaking of the history of Trinity I cannot fail to mention George Salmon, an excellent mathematician and physicist as well as Provost of Trinity College. George Salmon opposed the admission of women on campus until the end of his days!
Finally in 1904 the first woman was admitted: Marion Weir Johnston. Since then things have changed because now women make up more than 50% of the student body and on graduation day, it is a must to go and take a photo right there in front of his statue!
