Australian Governor-General visits Trinity

Posted on: 07 August 2026

Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC visited Trinity recently to see the Old Library and view the magnificent Book of Kells.

Australian Governor-General visits Trinity

The Governor-General was accompanied by Australia’s Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Chantelle Taylor, and met by Trinity’s Vice Provost and Chief Academic Officer Professor Orla Sheils.

The visit to Trinity was part of a celebration marking 80 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Australia which were formally established on 15 October 1946. While at the University, the Governor-General viewed the Book of Kells, an illustrated masterpiece of medieval artistry, and the sculptures of female scholars Rosalind Franklin, Ada Lovelace, Mary Wollenstonecraft, and Augusta Gregory which have been on display in the Long Room since 2023.

Three women stand together in the Long Room of Trinity College Dublin

L-R: Australian Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Chantelle Taylor, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC and Trinity Vice Provost Professor Orla Sheils

Over 120 students from Australia study at Trinity and the University has extensive research connections and partnerships with Australian institutions. Collaborative research projects between Australia and Trinity over the past four years have included studies on epilepsy research and treatment, gamma-ray bursts and supernova, and functional brain connectivity, among others.

A bust of Rosalind Franklin in Trinity College Dublin's Old Library

The bust of Rosalind Franklin in the Old Library

A woman looks on as another woman signs a book