Trinity College Dublin

In 1320 a University was founded at St Patrick’s Cathedral with the approval of Pope Clement V and it continued until the end of the 15th century when lack of funds caused its closure. In 1547 Archbishop Browne tried to revive it unsuccessfully. In 1584 Queen Elizabeth I issued an edict ‘to consider how a college might be erected’ – St Patrick’s was considered unsuitable and All Hallow’s priory was chosen for the site of Trinity College.

Since its foundation by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College Dublin, the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin has expanded steadily to the point where it now has over nine thousand students. To house these students and provide the latest in facilities, the college has pursued an enlightened policy of commissioning architecture from some of the best architects in Ireland and Britain. Accordingly the college has some of the most important building in Dublin, not just from the eighteenth century but also the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

1699 – West Front, Trinity College Dublin

Illustration of the original west front of Trinity College, as illustrated in Charles Brookings map of 1728.

1700 – The Rubrics, Trinity College Dublin

The Rubrics are the oldest existing buildings in Trinity College and were built around 1700.

1700s – Library Square, Trinity College Dublin

From Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837 “The second quadrangle,

1700s – Northern Range of the Rubrics, Trinity College Dublin

In May 1897, tenders were invited by Trinity College, Dublin, to design a replacement for these residential buildings popularly known as Rotten Row.

1732 – Long Room Library, Trinity College Dublin

Architect: Thomas Burgh

The old Library of Trinity College (old because of a newer neighbour built by Ahrends Burton Koralak) is Thomas Burgh’s masterpiece.

1734 – Printing House, Trinity College Dublin

Architect: Richard Cassels

This is probably Richard Cassel’s first independent work in Dublin.

1746 – Belfry, Trinity College Dublin

Architect: Richard Cassels

“The old Hall, which extended from the present Campanile in the direction of the College gate,

1759 – West Front, Trinity College Dublin

Architect: Theodore Jacobsen

Until recently it was assumed that two english architects Henry Keene and John Sanderson were responsible for the design of the main west front of Trinity College.

1760 – Dining Hall, Trinity College Dublin

Architect: Hugh Darley

In the 1740s Richard Cassels designed and built a Dining Hall on this site replacing an earlier structure.

1760 – Provost’s House, Trinity College Dublin

The Provost is the head of Trinity College and accordingly a sumptuous residence was provided.