In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Trinity College is making the Book of Kells available to view online in its entirety!  For iPad users, the text is also available as an interactive app.

For those not in the know, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels that dates back to about 800.  800!  I mean, I barely even can grasp how old this book actually is.

I was lucky enough to get to see it on display last spring when I visited Dublin, and it was an enthralling experience.  I really could have stayed and stared at the book all day long.  I’m really excited that I have the opportunity to look at it even more from the comfort of my own computer, and I hope that you all take a moment to check it out too.  It’s really something.

Marsh’s Library, the very first public library in Dublin, is tucked away on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  While I was there visiting, I got to explore its interior and see Jonathan Swift’s death mask and some books that were over 800 years old!  It’s definitely worth seeing if you ever find yourself in Ireland.

Life-size statue of James Joyce in Dublin (aka the Prick with a Stick, according to some locals).