Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, was founded by royal charter in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I as "the mother of a university" that was modeled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It is Ireland's oldest university and one of the world's most prestigious.

Initially established outside Dublin's city walls in the buildings of the outlawed Catholic Augustinian Priory of All Hallows, Trinity was set up in part to consolidate the rule of the Tudor monarchy in Ireland, and as a result, was the university of the Protestant Ascendancy for much of its history. While Catholics were admitted from the college's foundation, for a period, graduation required the taking of an oath that was objectionable to them.

Trinity's early years were marked by financial difficulty, but it began to flourish in the 17th century, thanks to the support of the English Crown and the Irish Church. During this time, Trinity produced some of Ireland's most notable scholars and public figures, including Jonathan Swift, Edmund Burke, and Oscar Wilde.

In the 18th century, Trinity underwent a period of rapid expansion, with the construction of new buildings and the establishment of new schools and disciplines. The college also played a leading role in the Enlightenment in Ireland, and its alumni were at the forefront of the Irish independence movement in the early 19th century.

In the 20th century, Trinity continued to grow and diversify, becoming a world-renowned university with a strong reputation in research and teaching. Today, Trinity is one of Ireland's leading universities, and its graduates include some of the country's most successful and influential people.

Trinity College Dublin is located in the heart of Dublin city, on College Green. It is surrounded by many other educational institutions, as well as cultural attractions such as the National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland. The college is also close to public transportation, making it easy to get around the city.

Student life at Trinity College Dublin is vibrant and diverse. There are over 17,000 students enrolled at the college, representing over 120 nationalities. There are over 100 student clubs and societies to choose from, covering a wide range of interests, from sports and music to academic and social causes.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Trinity College Dublin is positioned as the #87 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Ireland. The university's global rank decreased by 6 points from last year.