Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Today is a trip to historic Trinity College and the Old Library there. Several ancient manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells is held there for viewing.
The college is massive
Sadly, yet I did understand, no photos were allowed in the Old Library or of the book of Kells (or any other work there). That's alright, the gift shop contained more than enough reproductions and so on to make up for it.
The books are well beyond a thousand years old, yet are in fantasic condition. Naturally they are kept in pressurized cases and guarded. As with any illuminated manuscript, the detail is exquisite. Some letters covered one page and words could span pages. Simply fantastic work. The books themselves are vellum and hand sewn according to the culture back then. The Book of Kells is bound in a white leather, as white as snow. Almost as if it was made just yesterday. The book of Armaugh was older and did show it's age, but only a little more since it had little color like the book of Kells did. Perhaps that was due to a farmer (the previous owner) who kept it in a bucket of water and pulled it out only to bless his cattle.
Now this isn't to detract from the college itself. I can see many items from Trinity being used in popular media, from the Potter books, to Star Wars. Just overwhelmingly impressive.
Like with the Book of Kells, only on the order of a thousand times over, the old books would not survive a camera flash. They were also roped off, which was a large shame. I would have loved to have browsed through them. One thing stands out in my mind is that I have to bring others back here. It's well worth seeing.
Outside Trinity College we wandered a bit near the shops of O'Connell street. At the top of the street there was a statue to Molly MacGuire. Mom got her picture made with it then we all were in a picture with the statue. It was right after that the fun began. A man playing the drum, took our picture and started flirting with Mom. That lead to her and the drummer singing the Molly MacGuire song which caused a whole crowd to sing along. Finally that lead to dancing! It was hilarious! Dad got a movie of the whole thing.
After that we hurried to the writer's museum but just did not make it in time. That museum closes slightly after 4pm. Luckily tomorrow they are open (which is odd, most are not since it's a Sunday) afternoon.
Across from the Writer's Musuem is the Remembeance Memorial. It's an immense memorial, garden with statue and pond, dedicated to those lost in the wars. It was pretty moving.
The weather today was great, temperate, warm with a light breeze. Apparently it was the best day all season for Ireland. The rest of the time it's been overcast and rainy.
Before dinner we stopped by the remains of St. Valentine. It's a small shrine with his remains below the altar. His story is posted along the wall next to the altar. On the altar sat a large red, leather book where people could write prayers and thank you to the saint. I noticed other books like that on in the shrine with the saint's relics. Pretty cool, y'know?
Well dinner was fish and chips. Since all the cigarette smoke was bothering me, I broke my rule and ate some of the French fries that came with my fish. It helped some, walking in the evening air (without the cigarette smoke) helps more. Just a leftover from going nonstop and that Cork county adventure.
Some rest tonight after unwinding, that's just what the doctor ordered.
-- Post From My iPhone
The college is massive
Sadly, yet I did understand, no photos were allowed in the Old Library or of the book of Kells (or any other work there). That's alright, the gift shop contained more than enough reproductions and so on to make up for it.
The books are well beyond a thousand years old, yet are in fantasic condition. Naturally they are kept in pressurized cases and guarded. As with any illuminated manuscript, the detail is exquisite. Some letters covered one page and words could span pages. Simply fantastic work. The books themselves are vellum and hand sewn according to the culture back then. The Book of Kells is bound in a white leather, as white as snow. Almost as if it was made just yesterday. The book of Armaugh was older and did show it's age, but only a little more since it had little color like the book of Kells did. Perhaps that was due to a farmer (the previous owner) who kept it in a bucket of water and pulled it out only to bless his cattle.
Now this isn't to detract from the college itself. I can see many items from Trinity being used in popular media, from the Potter books, to Star Wars. Just overwhelmingly impressive.
Like with the Book of Kells, only on the order of a thousand times over, the old books would not survive a camera flash. They were also roped off, which was a large shame. I would have loved to have browsed through them. One thing stands out in my mind is that I have to bring others back here. It's well worth seeing.
Outside Trinity College we wandered a bit near the shops of O'Connell street. At the top of the street there was a statue to Molly MacGuire. Mom got her picture made with it then we all were in a picture with the statue. It was right after that the fun began. A man playing the drum, took our picture and started flirting with Mom. That lead to her and the drummer singing the Molly MacGuire song which caused a whole crowd to sing along. Finally that lead to dancing! It was hilarious! Dad got a movie of the whole thing.
After that we hurried to the writer's museum but just did not make it in time. That museum closes slightly after 4pm. Luckily tomorrow they are open (which is odd, most are not since it's a Sunday) afternoon.
Across from the Writer's Musuem is the Remembeance Memorial. It's an immense memorial, garden with statue and pond, dedicated to those lost in the wars. It was pretty moving.
The weather today was great, temperate, warm with a light breeze. Apparently it was the best day all season for Ireland. The rest of the time it's been overcast and rainy.
Before dinner we stopped by the remains of St. Valentine. It's a small shrine with his remains below the altar. His story is posted along the wall next to the altar. On the altar sat a large red, leather book where people could write prayers and thank you to the saint. I noticed other books like that on in the shrine with the saint's relics. Pretty cool, y'know?
Well dinner was fish and chips. Since all the cigarette smoke was bothering me, I broke my rule and ate some of the French fries that came with my fish. It helped some, walking in the evening air (without the cigarette smoke) helps more. Just a leftover from going nonstop and that Cork county adventure.
Some rest tonight after unwinding, that's just what the doctor ordered.
-- Post From My iPhone
posted by Chris Ash | 2:30 PM
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