The Trinity College Library, also known as the Old Library, is an integral part of Ireland's oldest university, founded in 1592. Its most famous part, the Long Room, was completed in 1732 and has been delighting visitors with its monumental architecture and atmosphere ever since.

The 65-meter-long room, with a 14-meter-high barrel vault, is home to more than 200,000 of the oldest books in the library's collection. A row of tall oak bookcases stretching along the walls, filled with old volumes, creates a unique setting that transports visitors back in time.

Along the main corridor are marble busts of great thinkers and writers associated with Trinity College, adding additional majesty to the place. The atmosphere in the Long Room is so unique that it's easy to see why it inspired the creators of the Harry Potter series.

It's worth noting the distinctive smell of old books and wood that wafts through the air, creating a unique atmosphere for the place. As one visitor noted: 'What a great place! The smell of books and old wood floating in the air, the prevailing semi-darkness make you not want to leave this place just to absorb the stories described in those old books!

Trinity College Library is not only the Long Room. There is also a modern section in the complex that combines tradition with modernity, offering multimedia presentations and interactive exhibitions. This fusion of old and new makes the place appealing to visitors of all ages.

The heart of Trinity College Library's collection is undoubtedly the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from the 9th century containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. This priceless monument of Irish medieval art is considered one of the most beautiful illuminated manuscripts in the world and is a major attraction for visitors.

In addition to the Book of Kells, the library has many other valuable artifacts, including the oldest Irish harp from the 15th century, which has become a symbol of Ireland, and a copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

For younger visitors, the library has prepared special interactive exhibits that present the history of books and writing in an accessible way. Children can see what the process of creating medieval manuscripts looked like, learn the secrets of calligraphy and find out more about preserving old books.

It is worth noting that the exhibition is constantly being updated and modernized. As one reviewer noted: 'A brilliant place that combines the traditional way of providing access to historical bibliographic works with multimedia presentations.' This combination of tradition and modernity makes a visit to the library fascinating for people of all ages.

Note, however, that due to conservation and preservation of the collection, some parts of the library may be temporarily inaccessible. As one visitor noted: 'A bit dim because the shelves are currently emptied of books which weakens the overall impression. Nevertheless, it's still worth seeing, very cool online guide in Polish.' That's why it's a good idea to check for up-to-date information on the library's official website before visiting.

When planning a visit to the Trinity College library, there are a few important things to keep in mind to help make the experience as rewarding as possible for the whole family.

First, admission tickets are best purchased online, for a specific time. As one visitor noted: 'Tickets should be purchased online for a specific time. The tour time is about 90 minutes, which go by in a flash. Booking online avoids queues and ensures that we will be able to enter at the time of our choice.

Ticket prices may seem quite high - about 18 euros per adult (as of 2023), but it's worth remembering that they include not only admission to the library, but also access to multimedia exhibitions and an audio guide. For families, family tickets are available at a slightly better price.

The tour time is about 90 minutes, which may seem long to some, especially with younger children. However, it's worth making the most of this time by taking advantage of the educational materials and interactive exhibitions available.

The library is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities, making it accessible to all members of the family. However, it is worth remembering that due to the historic nature of the building, some parts may be difficult to access for strollers.

For a more comfortable visit, especially with children, it is advisable to plan your visit for off-peak hours. It is usually least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon.

It's also worth remembering the restrictions on photography inside the library. In some areas, especially near valuable exhibits, taking photos is prohibited.

In the end, despite some inconveniences, such as not being able to return to some parts of the exhibits, as mentioned by one reviewer, a visit to the Trinity College library is an unforgettable experience. As another visitor sums up: 'A beautiful library. This place cannot be described, it must be seen !!!'

Let's remember that the Trinity College library is not just a tourist attraction, but first and foremost a working academic institution. So let's respect the silence and behave appropriately, setting a good example for the youngest.