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The Book of Kells: Illuminating Information on an Ancient Irish Treasure

Written by Ciaran Vipond on Mar 02, 2024 | 0 Comments

On display at Trinity College Dublin, close to one million visitors each year come from across the globe to gaze at the pages of this ancient text, the famous Book of Kells. Who made this extraordinary book, where did it get its name, and just why is it so famous?

Why is the Book of Kells famous?

Close to one million people per year make the pilgrimage to see the Book of Kells in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin - Why? Visitors are rewarded with a beautiful glimpse of history. Lavish decoration and illustrations illuminate each page. Intricate spirals, triskeles, Celtic knots and crosses join animals, plants and humans to stunningly illustrate the stories of the four gospels.

Written on vellum folios (calfskin pages) in expertly executed script, the book is damaged but still spectacular. It now contains 340 folios but it is thought that up to 30 folios are missing, largely from the start and finish of the book. The remaining 340 folios were subjected to further damage when they were trimmed to fit a binding style in the 19th Century and now measure approximately 330 x 255 mm.

For those that can't make it to Dublin in person - you can still see for yourself online at the fabulous digital collection of Trinity College Dublin. Each page of this incredibly detailed book can be inspected close up. A great way to appreciate the artistry.

Who made the Book of Kells?

So it is a spectacular piece of art. But what of the artist? Rather than one artists, current thinking suggests it is the fine work of at least three different artists — monks who painstakingly worked at monasteries in Iona, Scotland and Kells, Ireland, offering an enigmatic glimpse of our ancient past.

Where the Book of Kells get its name?

Even with multiple artists working, it's thought that this work took several years to complete. But there's some controversy over when and where the Book of Kells was produced. Most attribute the book to a monastery founded in 561 by the Irish Saint Colum Cille on Scottish Isle of Iona. Following a Viking raid in 806 which left 68 dead, the remaining monks took refuge at another monastery founded by St. Colum Cille, in Kells in Co. Meath in Ireland.

It is thought that the book was produced around the year 800 but we currently have no way of knowing if that was at Iona, or Kells or a mixture of both. In any case the book was housed at the Monastery in Kells, and this is where it takes its name. This spectacular artefact became known as “the Book of Kells.”

And despite having its jewel encrusted cover stolen in and early Viking Raid, an event that may have resulted in some of the “lost” 30 pages, The Book of Kells has survived to this day first at the monastery that shares its name, and to present day at Trinity College Dublin.

Continuing Tradition of Craft

On several pages of this magical book, the ornament and decoration is of such extraordinary fineness and delicacy that it requires a magnifying glass to see it properly. The artists who created these works have had their skills likened to those of a goldsmith.

So it is no wonder then that the stunning spiral designs and knot work of this ancient work translate so beautifully to the gold, sterling silver, and platinum in our carefully crafted rings and jewelry. Wearing one of our Book of Kells pieces or a triskele ring offers a real connection to a long-standing tradition of Celtic artistry and Irish heritage.

The popularity of this unique design and the enduring allure of the Book of Kells itself is a reminder that people from all countries draw inspiration from Ireland’s ancient past.

Your Very Own Book of Kells

Owning a piece of our Book of Kells inspired jewlery allows you to bring a Ireland into your home. Timeless and traditional these contemporary designs are sure to delight.

Triskele Ring
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Triskele Ring
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Ciaran Vipond

Ciaran Vipond

My Irish Jeweler

Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!

I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!

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