The Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is a sacred and important historical text dating from around 800 A.D., making it one of the oldest books in the world. The book gets its name from the Abbey of Kells, which was its original home until the continuous attacks of the Vikings proved to be a big threat. Since the 15th century it has been at Trinity College for safekeeping.

At present, the Book of Kells attracts over 500,000 visitors to Trinity College each year. 

The Book of Kells is an illustrated manuscript created by Celtic monks that depicts the 4 gospels of the New Testament in Latin, as well as other texts. The manuscript is well known for its illustrations with vibrant colours and patterns that enhance Christian images, mythical creatures and Celtic knots. No other manuscript of its kind boasts such fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The Poolbeg Lighthouse

Did you know that there's a lighthouse in Dublin?

It's this red lighthouse in the pictures below, which you will find in Sandymount. It's a lovely walk for a sunny day and we will definitely post more pictures and information about this great area!

The Apes in South Richmond Street

It seems the apes have invaded Dublin!!!

Watch out, you will see them walking around South Richmond Street 

Dublin-born lion and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

What would Hollywood have to do with Dublin?

As you probably remember, for decades the film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer used lions as opening logos for their films. 

The first lion to be used was named Slats and it was born in Dublin Zoo in 1919! Slats was used on all black-and-white Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films between 1924 and 1928. 

Although several lions were featured on MGM films depending on the decade, next time you see a roaring lion you will remember that maybe that's an Dublin-born lion :)

Guinness World Records

On 10 November 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery (Guinness factory in Dublin) at the time, went on a shooting party in County Wexford, Ireland. After missing a shot at a golden plover, he became involved in an argument over which was the fastest game bird in Europe, the golden plover or the red grouse (it is the plover).

That evening he realised that it was impossible to confirm in reference books whether or not the golden plover was Europe's fastest game bird. He knew that there must be numerous other questions debated nightly in pubs throughout Ireland and abroad, but there was no book in the world with which to settle arguments about records. He realised then that a book supplying the answers to this sort of question might prove successful.

Beaver's idea became reality when Guinness employee Christopher Chataway and two friends compiled what became The Guinness Book of Records in August 1954. A thousand copies were printed and given away.

After founding the Guinness Book of Records, the first 198-page edition was bound on 27 August 1955 and went to the top of the British best seller lists by Christmas. The following year it launched in the US, and sold 70,000 copies. Since then, Guinness World Records has become a household name and the global leader in world records.

The book has gone on to become a record breaker in its own right, with sales of more than 100 million copies in 100 different countries and 37 languages, Guinness World Records is the world's best selling copyright book ever.

The book has gone on to become a record breaker in its own right, with sales of more than 100 million copies in 100 different countries and 37 languages, Guinness World Records is the world's best selling copyright book ever.