Trinity College Dublin welcomed the 10-millionth visitor to the old library and Book of Kells visitor centre yesterday.
English tourists Robbie Howatson, his parents Ian and Jan and sister Rosina were welcomed yesterday by the librarian, Robin Adams.
The old library and Book of Kells is one of Ireland’s major tourist attractions with over 520,000 visitors each year.
The majority of visitors to the old library and Book of Kells come from Europe and North America. More than 20,000 schoolchildren have free access to the exhibition.
Trinity College is upgrading the Book of Kells visitor centre to enhance the visitor experience and improve access to the ancient manuscript. Mr Adams said the 10-millionth visitor was a significant landmark to coincide with the tercentenary of the old library. The 10-millionth visitors were presented with memorabilia of the old library and a guided tour.
“The number of visitors to the old library have increased by 10 per cent this year and we hope that with the expansion and upgrade of facilities, we will welcome many more visitors,” said Mr Adams.