Students in Trinity College Dublin formed another blockade at the college’s main tourist attraction as “polite protests don’t work”, according to the students’ union president. 

Roughly 30 students blocked the entrance to the Book of Kells yesterday, along with blockades at the new Book of Kells Experience and gift shop. 

Protestors organised after Provost Linda Doyle sent a college-wide email saying the union risked causing “serious financial and reputational damage” to Trinity. 

They are demanding that the college promises not to increase one-year Masters’ fees, instead proposing that tickets to the Book of Kells increase by €2. 

Students’ Union President László Molnárfi said students “should not bear the brunt of Government underfunding”. 

“Education should be a public good it should not be a luxury,” he told Lunchtime Live. 

“When our university management ignores our requests, our polite requests, through petitions and meetings... then we must escalate as a union because that is what a union is for. 

“Students are pleading with the university to please not put more financial burden on students – this is the only way to get a reaction out of them.” 

Protestors at the Book of Kells Experience in Trinity College Dublin, 01/05/2024. Image: Neasa Nic Corcráin/Trinity News

Trinity student and incoming union president Jenny Maguire said when protestors arrived at the tourist attraction, security closed the Book of Kells while tourists who booked tickets were refunded. 

She said they are not trying to “ruin the tourist experience” but protestors must take action – and tourists shouldn’t blame them. 

“It is frustrating, and I understand that when I talk to them,” she said. “But that frustration ultimately isn't with us, and it would be ill-placed to put it with us. 

“That’s why we stop and we talk to them and explain our position.” 

Protesting in Trinity

Trinity PhD student Patrick said he supports protesting – but the current method is not working. 

“Some of the communication from the students’ union to the Provost have been quite aggressive,” he said. 

He noted that the students’ union sent an email to Ms Doyle outlining their “final and formal notice of escalation”, threatening to “seriously damage” the finances and reputation of the college until their demands are met. 

“As a student, I don't feel I'm actually represented by my own student union,” he said. 

Protestors demanding an increase to the Book of Kells ticket fees, 01/05/2024. Image: Neasa Nic Corcráin/Trinity News

Mr Molnárfi said it is a “privileged view” of protesting to assume that they cannot be “disruptive”. 

“Non-disruptive protests, the polite protests, they go ignored,” he said. 

“What can a union do when its polite requests, its polite protests, go ignored?” 

Trinity students have protested at the Book of Kells several times this year, including in September. 

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Main image: Protestors at the Book of Kells Experience in Trinity College Dublin, 01/05/2024. Image: Rory Chinn/Trinity News