The Old Library, Trinity College Dublin

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The Old Library
Trinity college library.jpg
The Library viewed from the West in 2008
The Old Library, Trinity College Dublin
Interactive map of The Old Library
General information
TypeHouse
Architectural styleNeo-classical, Palladian
ClassificationProtected structure
Location Dublin, Ireland
Coordinates 53°20′38″N6°15′27″W / 53.3439436°N 6.2575176°W / 53.3439436; -6.2575176
Elevation20 m (66 ft)
Groundbreaking1709
Construction started1712
Estimated completion1730
Height20 m (66 ft)
Dimensions
Other dimensions27 bay
Technical details
Materialcalp limestone, sandstone (original)
granite (19th century replacement)
Floor count3
Design and construction
Architect Thomas Burgh (1670–1730)
References
[1] [2]

The Old Library is an early 18th century building within the campus of Trinity College Dublin and forming part of the Library of Trinity College Dublin. [3]

Contents

It contains the barrel-vaulted Long Room and the building also houses the Book of Kells.

On completion the building was significantly larger than the college's collection of books and it wasn't until the mid-nineteenth century that further storage was required.

History

Trinity College library was originally founded under the auspices of James Ussher in the 17th century. [4]

The Old Library was built in stages between 1709 and 1732 to the design of Thomas Burgh and overseen at various stages by Isaac Wills with the original project budget extended in 1717.

From 1710-11, Burgh and Wills also worked together on constructing Anatomy House nearby within the grounds of the college with the funding being provided by a bequest from Patrick Dun, it also created the college's first medical and anatomical school at the same time in 1711. [5] [6]

Various other notable craftsmen are recorded as working on the library including Henry and Moses Darley as stonecutters between 1712-14, and Moses again in 1722. The stone is also a mixture of calp limestone and sandstone from the Darley family quarries in Scrabo, County Down.

Additionally, details record Francis Quin as bricklayer from 1718-24, carpentry by Charles Brooking in 1724, joinery by John Sisson in the 1730s and painting work and ceilings of the long room by William Halfpenny from 1733-34. Richard Castle also oversaw works on the building including the staircase around 1750.

Marble busts

Fourteen marble busts were commissioned in the mid-1740s, by bequest of Claudius Gilbert. Eight of these originals are signed by Peter Scheemakers with the remaining six likely by Louis-François Roubiliac. Later the collection expanded to include one of Claudius Gilbert himself by Simon Vierpyl in 1758, John Lawson by Patrick Cunningham in 1759, Patrick Delany by John van Nost the younger while John Henry Foley and Thomas Kirk carved further busts in the 19th century and more recently, four female busts were added in 2023 including those of Augusta Gregory and Mary Wollstonecraft. [7]

19th century alterations

The library underwent a series of refurbishments and extensions in the 19th century. The original sandstone facade had begun to decay and was replaced with a darker granite facade.

Internally, the flat ceiling as seen in Malton's illustration of 1792, was replaced with the now famous barrel vaulted version by Thomas Newenham Deane and Benjamin Woodward between 1859-1861. An additioanl floor of bookcases was also added and was supported by granite columns.

The ground floor was originally arcaded and was only filled-in by Thomas Drew from 1889-92.

21st century renovation

A redevelopment project commenced in 2022 and will include a restoration and rebuilding element from 2027-30. [8] [9]

References

  1. ↑ "Dictionary of Irish Architects". www.dia.ie. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  2. ↑ "Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin 2, DUBLIN". Buildings of Ireland. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  3. ↑ "The Old Library - The Library of Trinity College Dublin - Trinity College Dublin". www.tcd.ie. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Trinity College Library Dublin: A History" . Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  5. ↑ "DIA - Anatomy House". www.dia.ie. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  6. ↑ "Teaching Anatomy in Dublin" . Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  7. ↑ McGreevy, Ronan. "After 280 years Trinity finally unveils busts to women in Long Room". The Irish Times. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  8. ↑ Gordon, Yvonne. "Go Behind the Scenes at an Iconic Irish Library as Staff Move 700,000 Historical Treasures Into Storage". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  9. ↑ Kelly, Olivia. "Approval for redevelopment and restoration of Old Library in Trinity College". The Irish Times. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
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