The Book of Kells

The Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin is arguably one of the most significant artifacts for any book art enthusiast.

I was in Dublin last June for the 2016 World AeroPress Championship. Rick Steves recommended staying in the dorms at Trinity College. He was right. Trinity College was perfect. The rooms were just right for coming home after gallivanting around Temple Bar. In the morning, after a short walk, I was one of the first people waiting in line to view the Book of Kells exhibit.

Leading up to the Book of Kells is an impressive exhibit of medieval bookery, included many examples the binding process and the equally impressive Book of Durrow.

The final portion of the exhibit is a walk through the Long Room, a 65 meter long archive of some of the oldest books in the at Trinity. It is largest library in Ireland and houses over 200,000 rare and ancient works. There is also the Brian Boru Harp, one of three surviving 15th Centrury Gaelic harps.

I left Dublin feeling inspired by the deep  history I had been surrounded by. It was amazing. There was great food, music, and coffee, too.