The Printing House, Trinity College Dublin

Contracting Authority: Trinity College Dublin

The Printing House was commissioned in 1734 and completed in 1736. It was built to the design of the Palladian architect, Richard Castle and is the third oldest building within the Trinity College campus.

The building is two storeys over a basement with a Doric portico of Portland stone. The Printing House is a Protected Structure (Ref No. 2003) and a Recorded Monument - (DUB18-020508).

The Printing House was sensitively restored and then fitted out to provide a suitable secure environment for the Book of Kells. This work was split into two phases – Enabling Works / External Restoration & Main Works, both procured via the Public Works ‘Capital Works Management Framework’ (CWMF).

Restoration works to the fabric of the building, completed in 2023, included the restoration of the timber sash windows along with restoration and cleaning of all masonry and the portico and re-roofing with salvaged slate.

The fit-out project completed in September 2025, included the internal fit-out of mechanical, electrical and security systems and a new temporary accessible visitor entrance at an existing doorway on the east side of the building.