Book of Kells barricaded ‘indefinitely’ until demands are met, Trinity College students say as they erect protest camp

The entrance to The Book of Kells has been barricaded and will be “indefinitely” until the college cuts all ties with Israel, according to Trinity College Dublin student union president László Molnárfi.

Students at TCD kicked off a full-time occupation on the front lawn of the college, pitching over 40 tents overnight in a similar style to the demonstrations seen on college campuses in the United States in recent weeks.

As darkness fell last night, dozens of students met at Fellows Square and dragged wooden benches to the entrance of Ireland’s best-known cultural artefact before barricading the doors.

In a statement posted on X, TCD students union president László Molnárfi said: “Students at Trinity College Dublin have set up an encampment for Palestine, demanding that their university cut ties with Israel as per BDS [Boycott, Divest, Sanction] principles supported by the vast majority of students and staff.”

He then posted a photograph of the park benches piled in front of the entrance to the Old Library which contains the Book of Kells.

Last night Trinity College Dublin (TCD) also issued a statement that it “supports students’ right to protest within the rules of the university” but it said “Access to campus is restricted to students, staff & residents with college ID.”

That means all public access to Trinity College has now been restricted.

A message on the college’s booking platform for the Book of Kells Experience said it would be closed “due to circumstances beyond our control”.

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