Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Trinity College (Dublin)

TRINITY COLLEGE, or THE UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN, the largest and most important educational institution in Ireland. It is believed to have been founded by Queen Elizabeth in 1591, though some authorities assert that she merely endowed and Protestantized the school. These latter give the credit for its establishment to Alexander Bigner or Bignor, an ecclesiastic of the 13th century. It has extensive buildings which inclose several quadrangles. Corinthian columns ornament the principal front, the chapel has a Corinthian portico and the decorations of the fine library are also Corinthian.