At Trinity College we visit The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript Gospel book that originated in the ninth century. It is considered one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures and is widely regarded as an example of Insular art. The book is a masterpiece of medieval bookmaking and contains intricate designs, elaborate lettering, and colorful illustrations. It is composed of four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and is written in Latin. The Book of Kells is housed at Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland, where it is seen by millions of visitors each year.

We stand outside and pass the Bank of Ireland on College Green for an earlier and perhaps more noble example of repurposing in the city building. Standing on the traffic island on College Green and looking up, it’s difficult not to be impressed. Surely this is the grandest bank you’ve ever seen. There’s a royal coat of arms. Statues of Hibernia (the Latin name for Ireland), Fidelity and Commerce. And at ground level, a couple of cannons. Oh, and a sentry box. They’re all clues to this building’s former role because, for the first 61 years of its life, it was home to the Irish Houses of Parliament. In 1800, however, the Irish parliament voted itself out of existence, and its former premises became the Bank of Ireland’s flagship branch in 1803. It had an amazing history during those times of colonization and rebellion. The building was the first purpose-built bicameral houses of parliament in Europe (‘bicameral’ meaning it had two ‘chambers’: a House of Commons and a House of Lords.)

A final history talk of Dublin - 'Through The Ages' to The Molly Malone statue is located a short distance from where you started at College Green and Trinity College. Molly Malone was a semi historical, semi-legendary figure who was commemorated in the song 'Cockles and Mussels', a Dublin anthem. A great opportunity for photos of your visit.