Episode 116 has Fender Jackson excited as he converses with the Book Of Kells Visitor Services Manager, Anne-Marie Diffley. When Fender started up The Ireland Podcast the Book Of Kells was one of the first interviews on his list; this chat does not disappoint!

Conversation includes: introductions; what is the Book Of Kells; its history; who made it; the tools and techniques used to craft it; ownership; Iona; Henry Jones; Saint Columbcille; the reasons for its enduring popularity; being the jewell of Ireland; the impact of the book; preservation and conservation practices; the Old Library Redevelopment Project; decanting books; the Book Of Kells Experience; visitor numbers; suggested time for visitors; Trinity Trails; the 1916 Proclamation; the Brian Born Harp; Gaia by Luke Jerram; women in Trinity; Linda Doyle, Trinity’s first female Provost; Helen Shenton, Trinity’s first female librarian; facilities for disabled visitors; feedback from visitors; the most popular questions asked; the library building; foreign dignitaries; Queen Elizabeth II; Siobhan Armstrong; Mrs Obama; Joe Biden; Al Pacino; Bruce Springsteen; film shoots; Educating Rita and the Samual Beckett Theatre; Ek Tha Tiger as well as other topics.

Face to face recording in Trinity College, Dublin at 11.38am on Tues 1st October 2024.

This episode closes with Mrs. Costelloe by Turlough O'Carolan as performed by Elaine Hogan. Special thanks to Elaine for providing this beautiful piece.

Relevant Links

https://digitalcollections.tcd.ie/collections/ks65hc20t?locale=en

https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells-experience/

Additional Links

https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells/gaia/

https://www.visittrinity.ie/trinity-trails-tour/

https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/events/

https://elainehoganharp.com/

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