And in front of the Anatomy building, I press them to listen and hear the hollow voice of the 18th century lecturer telling his student how I cannot teach today unless you get me a body and get a fresh one. Go to a graveyard that doesn’t have a watchman and go now . Less lugubriously, I talk about how inspiring it is to see biodiversity in our grounds. Gone are the well-manicured, weed- free lawns of my youth - instead wildflowers grow in profusion and bee hotels (for wild bees) ensure pollination. I point out the lichen on the trees in the Rose Garden and explain that these are the plants used to illuminate parts of the Book of Kells. Trinity gets under your skin and whispers in your ear I am a presence at the heart of things, I am a magnet that attracts people far and wide, I am a spirit pulling you into another world. I am here . Trinity is magic, Trinity is unique, Trinity is so rich in history and tradition, and for those of us lucky enough to have spent our undergraduate years here, also rich in personal memories. By giving tours, I learn more every day about the history and traditions of the place, and I release ever more buried memories. It is not just the Junior Fellow and Anatomy Professor’s voices that I hear in these grounds, but my own voice and those of my friends, echoing down the years. Anne Gormley works part-time as a tour guide for Trinity Trails (Trinity Campus Tours). Trinity Trails are currently seeking to expand the Alumni guide panel. Click here to read the role description Click here to email us for more information if you have an interest in working as a tour guide. This is a paid role that offers flexible working hours.
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