Overview

The Book of Kells Experience is a package offered at Trinity College which includes a self guided tour of the Book of Kells, Old Library, Gaia (art installation) and in a separate building a new immersive experience. While the Book of Kells, Old Library and immersive experience was excellent, disabled access is inadequate. The information on its website only refers to wheelchair users. When I went round I could see that NO thought has been given to other impairment, but particularly visual impairments and those with a mobility disability but are not a wheelchair user. For a world class visitor attraction this is POOR.

Transport & Parking

One of the tram lines stops and several buses stop close by. Both modes of transport have step free access. the buses have ramps at the front of the bus.

Access

WEBSITE Only access information is that it is wheelchair accessible and that there are accessible toilets. NO other access information is provided. TRINITY COLLEGE GROUNDS I entered through Parliament Square. There was a gate house and outside and inside the gate house was very busy. Once inside there were flat, paved and cobblestoned paths leading to the Book of Kells. Once inside the grounds, the Book of Kells was clearly signposted. Trinity College is a popular tourist attraction so please be aware that it may be very busy when you visit. BOOK OF KELLS AND OLD LIBRARY Entry into the building is by timed admission tickets. When I arrived for my time slot it was not very busy and I was able to walk straight in. For all there is a permanent ramped entrance to the door. The entry doors were manual but were wide open. Inside on the ground floor, there was a foyer with a shop down one side, IQ code on the wall were you could download the audio guide app for free, a map showing the layout of the building and the route, but no information about a step free route and the open entrance into the Book of Kells. There are two downstairs galleries. The first is very large, it has lots of information boards and items to see. It is fascinating. I did not see any large print guides. However, the videos have subtitles. There is no seating in this entire very large room. I found it very difficult to stand and I had a major back pain flair up with it. This lead to a set of three steps with a handrail on the right hand side. No one was around and I had to re-trace my steps (in considerable pain) to find a member of staff to ask where the step free route was. I was escorted to the locked gates, the member of staff went to get the key and then took me though. I was then able to get into the second room using a platform lift. The second room is considerably smaller and contains one display case holding the Book of Kells which is open at a particular page. The lighting levels are low, and again I did not see any warning about this. There is no seating in the room, meaning that there is no seating in the entire ground floor. From the room with the Book of Kells, I had to use the platform lift again, then duck low level ceiling which I think is where the stairs are above, due to its shape. There is no warning about avoiding banging you head, although the colour between floor, ceiling and walls are very similar and may pose a problem particularly who have visual impairments. There is then a lift to the upstairs which is operated by the staff. Alternatively, there is a staircase to the first floor. OLD LIBRARY The Old Library is a long, imposing room. On visiting in 2024, the books have been removed for conservation. There is lots to enjoy most notably for me, eventually finding a seat, and it had back support! There are some display cabinets and Gaia art installation, which is stunning. In the midpoint of the Old Library is a staircase with handrails both side leading down to the ground floor. There is no signage to step free access, so I took a guess and just went back the way i came. I took the lift down to the ground floor, which was operated by a member of staff and was escorted out to the exit which was nearest to the Book of Kells interactive gallery, and this involved four steps with a handrail on both sides. BOOK OF KELLS EXPERIENCE RED BUILDING There is a separate, red coloured, modern building a couple of minutes level walk away. At the door you show your ticket. The outer door was open and the inner double doors were closed and manual opening. Lighting levels throughout this building are low and there is no warning of this. Firstly there is a large room, which to be honest I just made for the first seat and did not bother to explore. I then walked though to another space where the interactive Book of Kells show was on a continuous loop. There were a couple of benches without back support as you entered this room and some more individual chairs with back support dotted around. The audio-visual show was impressive. You can stay as long as you want here. Then you exit and you are in the middle of Trinity College grounds still.

Toilets

The website mentions there were disabled toilets, but I did not see any signs for them while I was there. I didn't investigate.

Staff

I had a couple of interactions with staff. Apart from showing my ticket, I sought help in working out why I could not scan the QR code. I then had interactions with two members of staff when I needed to use the lift. The first went out of his way to be helpful, explained to me clearly where we were going and has friendly and helpful. However, on my way back down I asked the member of staff at the lift if I could go down. He asked me if I had used the lift on the way up? I do not see the relevance of asking the question. If I am asking to use the lift and I have a visible impairment, I walk with a crutch, it should be obvious that I have an access need to use the lift, so why does he have to ask me this? Why is he gate keeping the lift when it is there to assist disabled people. His manner was very off putting and unhelpful, and I can imagine some people who are less confident would not feel able to assert themselves. This attitude needs to be addressed by management.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I'm glad I've seen it but never again, the lack of ground floor seating trigger a severe back up flare up, which could have been easily avoided if seating on the ground floor had been provided. It spoiled my trip, which I had been saving as the highlight to the last day. I would suggest if you want to visit to contact Trinity College directly and ensure they can safely meet your access needs, before you plan your trip.

Photos