Trinity College, Irelands oldest university, dates from 1592 after the Reformation, when Queen Elizabeth 1st issued it's royal charter. The College was built on the site of the disbanded Augustinian Priory of All Hallows, located southside of the Dublin City walls.
During the 18th Century, Trinity College was seen as the University of the Protestant Ascendancy. Construction of the Old Library housing the "Book of Kells", commenced in 1712, followed by The Printing House and Dining Hall.
Ross's colourful painting view across Parliament Square, features the Provost Statue and Campanile (centre), with the Chapel and Dining Hall on the left, with the Rubrics in the background.