Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is the oldest university in Ireland and one of the seven ancient Universities of Britain and Ireland. It is a research university located in Dublin, the capital of Ireland. It was founded as the “Mother of a University” by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. The founding charter granted by her Majesty to Trinity College Dublin states: “…to found and incorporate a Collegiate School, wherein shall be taught not only Grammar and Rhetoric… but also all good Arts and Sciences…”
The college’s principal aim was stated as being “the advancement of learning and ennobling of our native Irish people”. Today, more than five centuries later, TCD has evolved into Ireland’s leading university; it is ranked within the top 100 universities in Europe and among the world’s top 200 universities by several international rankings. In 2019 QS World University Rankings placed Trinity at 106th globally while Times Higher Education World University Rankings put it at 140th worldwide. For over four centuries Trinity has been central to cultural, economic, political and scientific life in Ireland – playing a role out of all proportion to its relatively small size. Its alumni include some of Ireland’s most eminent figures in politics, literature, journalism, science & technology; its students have won an unprecedented number of Nobel Prizes (more than any other institution outside North America).
Situated on a compact site at the heart of Dublin city centre – just off Grafton Street, one of Europe’s most fashionable shopping streets – Trinity offers easy access to everything that Dublin has to offer culturally. The city itself has been recently voted ‘Friendliest City in Europe’ (Lonely Planet) and ‘Best European Destination 2015’ (European Consumer Choice Awards). A vibrant metropolis with a rich history dating back over 1,000 years, Dublin boasts more pubs per capita than anywhere else on the planet! With gorgeous Georgian architecture lining its streetscapesDublin really is a unique place to live and study.”