Completed in 1732, the "Old Library" is Ireland´s largest, and its most famous space is the Long Room - 213 feet, to be precise - which held 200,000 of the institution´s oldest books. Most have been removed for protection and preservation, but it´s still a very impressive space, lined with busts of writers, philosophers, and library supporters. It´s here that visitors can see the Brian Boru harp (see next photo), and the most recent addition was an artwork called "Gaia," a large illuminated globe.

Read more in my post Our Wonderful Recent Tour of Ireland´s "Greatest Hits."

David Paul Appell