Tap into the story of University College Cork with the UCC Treasures Tour – a 75-minute guided journey through the rich history and heritage of the university. 
 
Explore the stunning Honan Chapel, the mysterious Ogham Stone Collection, and the historic Crawford Observatory. For the first time ever, the tour now includes access to the Great Book of Ireland Exhibition, hosted in the Glucksman Gallery – a unique opportunity to experience materials from this extraordinary modern manuscript up close. Created by Ireland’s most celebrated artists, writers, poets, and calligraphers, the Great Book of Ireland is a living masterpiece and utterly unforgettable. 
 
Whether you're local or visiting, this tour is a must for lovers of culture, heritage, and powerful storytelling. 

Great Book Exhibition

Scribes by Seamus Heaney with The Great Book of Ireland Title page by Denis Brown

Crafted between 1989 and 1991, The Great Book of Ireland (Leabhar Mór na hÉireann) is a one-of-a-kind vellum manuscript that unites the original works of over 200 Irish poets, artists, and composers. Within its pages are creative contributions from luminaries such as Seamus Heaney and Samuel Beckett (both Nobel laureates), President Michael D. Higgins, poet Theo Dorgan, artist Barrie Cooke, and poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill.

Now part of the UCC Treasures tour, you’ll hear the fascinating story of how this “modern Book of Kells” was conceived and created, and you’ll get to see excerpts from its richly illustrated pages up close and enlarged as part of the exclusive exhibition in UCC’s Lewis Glucksman Gallery. 

Led by knowledgeable UCC guides, the tour weaves history and storytelling together, offering insights into the university’s past and present. You’ll hear tales of UCC’s notable figures and traditions as you explore the fully accessible route through the campus’s gardens and historic buildings. All ages are welcome – whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply a curious visitor, this engaging tour offers something for everyone. 

Highlights include: 

• The Pressure Box made from Elm and Bog Oak from Thoor Ballylee Exclusive Access: Get up close to excerpts from The Great Book of Ireland and see the Great Book itself in its unique display case, a privilege exclusive to this tour
• Expert Guides: Hear engaging stories and insights from experienced UCC staff throughout the walk
• All Ages Welcome: Fun and educational for young and old alike (family ticket options available)
• Accessible Route: Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly path with rest stops, shelter, and toilets along the way. The majority of the tour follows a flat and accessible walking route. However, access to the Glucksman Gallery, where the Great Book of Ireland Exhibition is displayed, involves a descent down a moderately steep hill. While the path is paved and suitable for most wheelchair users, those with manual wheelchairs or limited assistance may find the return ascent challenging. Please contact UCC Visitor Services in advance if you have any concerns or require additional support. 
• Great Value: Affordable pricing (€10 adult, €8 child/OAP, €30 family of 4) with an optional digital guide add-on
• Special Perks: 10% discount on UCC merchandise for all tour participants
• Seasonal Offering: Available only August–October each year – don’t miss the limited window
• Iconic Contributors: See a cultural treasure filled with works by Ireland’s literary and artistic legends
• UCC is a certified Green Campus – this tour is entirely on foot, creating zero carbon footprint. By showcasing a unique artistic manuscript, the experience supports UCC’s mission to preserve cultural heritage in a sustainable way.

The Great Book of Ireland (Leabhar Mór na hÉireann)

Page 16 Montague A book unlike any other awaits you. The Great Book of Ireland (Leabhar Mór na hÉireann) is a unique cultural artefact that holds the creative spirit of a nation in its pages. It is at once an art gallery, a poetry anthology, and a collection of musical creations, all bound together in a single, breathtaking volume. It has even been hailed as Ireland’s modern-day Book of Kells, underscoring the cultural significance of this ambitious project. 
 
For two extraordinary years from 1989 to 1991, an unprecedented spirit of collaboration swept through Ireland’s artistic community, as 120 artists, 140 poets, and nine composers poured their creativity directly onto the Great Book’s vellum pages, capturing their hopes and dreams for Ireland at that time. Every contributor gave their work freely, driven by a shared ambition to create a cultural treasure that would resonate for centuries to come. 
 
Crafted with rare materials steeped in history, the Great Book is as much a work of art as the creations it contains. Its pages are rich calfskin vellum, and its binding was stitched entirely by hand. The cover is clad in fine goatskin leather, and the book’s wooden boards were cut from an elm tree at Thoor Ballylee, the former home of poet W.B. Yeats. Such tangible links to Ireland’s heritage make this modern manuscript a bridge across time. 
 
The result is a living bridge between Ireland’s past and its contemporary artistic identity. Now entrusted to University College Cork, the Great Book is proudly preserved and celebrated on behalf of the Irish people for future generations to experience. It stands as a testament to the power of creative collaboration, inviting all who encounter it to feel a sense of awe and a curiosity to explore further. 

Tour Details

Page 123 Matthew Sweeney This is a 75 minute guided walking tour of the UCC campus led by an expert guide featuring engaging storytelling about UCC's history, culture and the creation of the Great Book of Ireland, culminating in a viewing of the Great Book of Ireland Exhibition. 

• Ticket Pricing (inclusive of VAT): 
  • Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €30
  • Individual Adult: €10
  • Individual Child: €8
  • Individual OAP: €8
  • Group Tours: Private group tours of up to 50 people are available on request in advance
  • Includes: 10% discount voucher for the UCC visitor centre gift shop merchandise. 
  • Optional Add-on:
    • Limited addition Great Book of Ireland Postcard set and Bookmark: €5
    • Digital Turn-the-page access to the Great Book of Ireland: €3
• Booking:
  • Advance booking recommended through UCC Visitor Services [link to Ticketsolve]
• Availability: Tours run from August through October (seasonal), Tue to Sun. Maximum numbers: 50 people. Tour is conducted in English.
• Facilities: Route includes sheltered areas and access to restrooms. Tour goes ahead rain or shine. 
• Meeting / Starting Point: UCC Visitors' Centre, North Wing of the Quadrangle on the UCC main campus
• Contact: UCC Visitor Services - Email: visitorscentre@ucc.ie - Telephone: +353 (0)21 490 1876

Tour Schedule

Image Information

All images on this page are © University College Cork and may not be reproduced without permission. 

Tour Terms and Conditions

• Cancellation policy - All tour sales are final. In exceptional circumstances, tickets may be transferred to another date within a five-day period if agreed in advance with UCC Visitor Services. Please note that this is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of UCC Visitor Services. 
• Tours may be cancelled in the event of severe weather warnings. All efforts will be made to contact attendees should this situation arise. 
• Access to Great Book of Ireland Exhibition is Tuesday to Sunday