The darkened atmosphere of the 18th century Old Library on Fellows’ Square lends a religious atmosphere of hushed reverence that is entirely fitting, despite the inevitable crowds that surround the beautifully illustrated pages displayed on the ground floor.
A fascinating exhibition sets these manuscripts in context, but the pages very much speak for themselves. Created in the 9th century by monks living a secluded life in a monastery on Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, the book and its intricate illustrations has survived Viking raids and the tarnishing touch of time. In many ways it looks almost as good as new.
The Book of Kells contains Latin versions of the four New Testament gospels that have been richly illustrated and decorated. Full-page illustrations intermingle with text that contains decorative schemes of animals and detailed patterning.
There is more to see upstairs in the library, including the triumphant Long Room, whose shelves groan with rare books and manuscripts.
But there is only one book most visitors have in their sights: the Book of Kells.
