Architect: Thomas Burgh
Interior Access
The old Library of Trinity College (old because of a newer neighbour built by Ahrens Burton Koralak) is Thomas Burgh's masterpiece. A huge building, it originally towered over the university and city after its completion. Even today, surrounded by similarly scaled buildings it is imposing and dominates the view of the university from Nassau Street.
The building has undergone two major adaptions. Originally the Library was placed on an open ground floor arcade whose purpose was to insulate the books from damp. This was filled in during the 19th century for more shelf space. The timber tunnel vaults that cap the library are not original being added by Deane and Woodward in 1858-60. Originally the library had a high flat ceiling. Deane and Woodward were also responsible for the mansard roof.