I would have done so here, so I could hold onto the feeling of that first in-breath forever. What does a thought smell like? What about hundreds, thousands, even millions of thoughts, collected over hundreds of years? There are few places I have visited in my travels that radiated such beauty as this one room. I entered and paused in awe, my heart and gut overcome by a rush of warmth. Tears came to my eyes. It is the old books I will remember Dublin by.
The first stop in the old book tour was Trinity College, Dublin. The photos above are of the Long Room which houses the library's oldest books, some over 400 years old. The college also has the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating from 807 A.D., in it's collection. The exhibition was mad, full of so many people, but it was lovely to have a glimpse at the old pages and to learn a bit about it's origins and how it was made.
My brother and I also accidentally came across the Marsh's Library, which is Ireland's first public library. It was smaller in scale, but that meant it was more quaint. We were able to get a closer look at the volumes they had. If you are in Dublin you really should stop by, it is located just behind St. Patrick's Cathedral. It really shouldn't be missed.
The last surprise stop came after walking through a garden at the Dublin castle. Standing next to the garden was the Chester Beatty Library. Honestly, we were hunting for a toilet and had no idea what was in store for us. I am so happy that we stopped. The current exhibit is Arts of the Book and features books from the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. I encourage you to look through their photo gallery. The oldest book I saw on display was from 650 A.D. The fact that a book that old still exists surprises me.
I had no idea what was in store for me in Dublin. Some people may take the pub tour, or the Guiness factory, or stop in at the great churches, or even do a Ulysses walk. But if you want to see something truly incredible, it's in the books.
My brother and I also accidentally came across the Marsh's Library, which is Ireland's first public library. It was smaller in scale, but that meant it was more quaint. We were able to get a closer look at the volumes they had. If you are in Dublin you really should stop by, it is located just behind St. Patrick's Cathedral. It really shouldn't be missed.
The last surprise stop came after walking through a garden at the Dublin castle. Standing next to the garden was the Chester Beatty Library. Honestly, we were hunting for a toilet and had no idea what was in store for us. I am so happy that we stopped. The current exhibit is Arts of the Book and features books from the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. I encourage you to look through their photo gallery. The oldest book I saw on display was from 650 A.D. The fact that a book that old still exists surprises me.
I had no idea what was in store for me in Dublin. Some people may take the pub tour, or the Guiness factory, or stop in at the great churches, or even do a Ulysses walk. But if you want to see something truly incredible, it's in the books.
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