THE BOOK OF Kells is set to be removed from public display in Trinity College Dublin for four months.

Trinity College Dublin is commencing its first phase of redevelopment plans at its Old Library “to ensure the conservation of the 18th century building and the preservation of its precious manuscripts and research collections for generations to come”. 

As part of the overall conservation and preservation plans, the display area of the Book of Kells, which is located in the Old Library, will be undergoing “necessary works” which will require the removal of the ninth century manuscript during this time. 

As a result, the book will not be on public display from 4 November through to February 2020. It will return to public display in March.

During this period, the Book of Kells Turning Darkness into Light exhibition will remain open to the public. Tickets to the exhibition will be reduced by 15% during the course of the works. 

All other areas in the Old Library will also be accessible, including the Long Room. 

A full colour replica of the Book of Kells will also be on display in the Long Room. 

“We take our role as stewards of this wonderful national treasure very seriously,” librarian and college archivist Helen Shenton said. 

“We apologise in advance for the temporary inconvenience caused and look forward to reopening the new display of this magnificent national treasure for the visiting public and our community of students and scholars,” she said.