Only 19% of those who visit the Book of Kells are Irish – but the head of tourism in the college hopes a new exhibition will change their minds.
Drew Duggan said when he started in his role at the university, he wasn’t sure whether he had actually been to the Book of Kells.
“I was trying to recall whether I had been to it,” he told Moncrieff. “I recalled probably in about fourth of fifth class I saw it.
“Most people probably saw the Book of Kells as part of a school tour when they were younger and haven’t been since.”
He said tourists in Trinity are predominantly from across Europe and America – while only 19% are from Ireland itself.
“That lifted slightly after COVID and there was more domestic business though,” Mr Duggan said.
Mr Duggan was surprised at the lack of interest in what he considers a “wonderful experience” in the college’s Old Library.
“It’s one of the world’s most beautiful libraries,” he said, referencing the rumour that the Jedi Archives in Star Wars was inspired by the library's Long Room.
“Over 200,000 books that have now been decanted and removed from the library in preparation for the new library.”
Very excited to see this project finally out in the world - The Book of Kells Experience - Coming soon! ⭐️
More info 👉 https://t.co/CFq5zJ7OVk pic.twitter.com/D4yIhP8BXj
— Darajane O Sullivan (@DarajaneHOS) October 25, 2023
Mr Duggan hopes the new Book of Kells Experience, being introduced while the Old Library undergoes maintenance, will entice more Irish people.
“We’ve undertaken to safeguard the 18th century building and preserve those books,” he explained.
“But we want to keep the Long Room experience alive and keep the Book of Kells alive so visitors can come and see it.”
The new exhibition, open tomorrow in the college’s New Square, includes projection areas that recreates the original Long Room and its ancient manuscripts.
“It’s really an opportunity for people to dive into those manuscripts,” Mr Duggan said.
Future of the Book of Kells
When further renovations begin in the Old Library, Mr Duggan explained, the Book of Kells will then be moved to Printing House located on New Square.
“It will always be available for people to view,” he said. “It’s a world-class experience.”
Tickets for the Book of Kells Experience are €21.50 for adults, €16.50 for children aged 13 to 17 and €12 for children aged six to 12 years.
Listen back here:
