Introduction
Trinity College is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1592, the college is located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland and is home to some of the most talented and influential minds of the past four centuries. From its impressive architecture to its illustrious alumni, Trinity College has a rich and storied history that is full of fascinating facts and anecdotes. Here, we take a look at some of the most interesting and fun facts about Trinity College.
The Old Library
One of the most iconic parts of Trinity College is The Old Library, which houses the iconic Book of Kells. The library was founded in 1592 and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It contains over 200,000 books, manuscripts and other artifacts, including the Book of Kells, which is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, believed to have been created by Celtic monks in the 9th century. The library also houses the Long Room, a two-story chamber that holds 200,000 of the library’s oldest books.
The Campanile
The Campanile is an iconic bell tower located in the center of Trinity College. It was built in 1712 and stands at a height of 78 meters (256 feet). It is the tallest bell tower in Ireland and is made up of eight bells that are rung every hour. The bells can be heard ringing throughout the city of Dublin and are a popular tourist attraction.
The Provost’s House
The Provost’s House is a grand Georgian-style building located on the grounds of Trinity College. It was built in 1759 and is the official residence of the Provost of Trinity College. The house is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public for guided tours.
The Rubrics
The Rubrics is a set of rules and regulations that were set up by the college in 1637. They include guidelines on how the college should be run, such as the types of courses that should be offered, how the college should be funded and how the college should be governed. The Rubrics are still in place today and are used to ensure that the college runs smoothly and efficiently.
The Graduates
Trinity College has a long list of illustrious alumni, including four Nobel Prize winners. The college has also produced some of the world’s most influential writers, scientists, politicians and entrepreneurs, including the poet W.B. Yeats, the physicist Ernest Walton, the politician John Hume and the entrepreneur Denis O’Brien.
The Scholarships
Trinity College offers a range of scholarships and awards to its students, including the prestigious Trinity College Dublin Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential. The college also offers a range of other scholarships, including the Trinity College Dublin International Scholarship, which is awarded to students from outside the European Union.
The Sports
Trinity College has a long and proud tradition of sports, particularly in rowing and rugby. The college has produced some of the world’s best rowers, including the Olympic gold medalist Paul O’Donovan. The college also has a strong rugby team, which has won the All-Ireland Championship on several occasions.
Conclusion
Trinity College is a prestigious and historic university that has a long and storied history. From its impressive architecture to its illustrious alumni, the college has a wealth of interesting facts and anecdotes that make it an intriguing place to visit. Whether you’re interested in its history, its architecture, its alumni or its sports, Trinity College has something for everyone.
