Ruth Negga, Eleanor McEvoy and more to explore Trinity's library in new series

Ruth Negga, Eleanor McEvoy and David Norris are set to be involved in a new three-part series on RTÉ.

As well-known graduates of Trinity College Dublin, they will gain access to the country's largest university library during its first major renovation in over 300 years. The Old Library was built in the early 1700's and is home to some of Ireland's oldest books, including the Book of Kells.

Emmy-nominated actress and producer Ruth Negga is featured in the first episode, which sees her sift through Trinity's literary archives, accessing writing from Samuel Beckett, as well as early drafts of Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge. She also visits the Drama Department where she studied and meets with young drama students.

"I love books, I love words, I love plays," says Negga in the programme.

"[For Trinity to create] a guided personal tour of some of the works that I have personally performed in and admire and the writers that I admire, that's such an honour."

Episode two follows best-selling artist Eleanor McEvoy as she delves into the library's extensive music collection. Meeting with music librarian Roy Stanley, they discuss composer Ina Boyle's manuscript collection and the James Goodman Collection of pre-Famine music. McEvoy also re-visits old classmates that are still singing in the university's Chapel Choir and performs in the Long Room of the Old Library.

Former senator David Norris is the star of the third episode, as he looks through collections that have shaped Ireland politically and socially, including medieval manuscripts containing some of the earliest records of Irish society.

"From the brilliance of medieval manuscripts and the inspirational writings of towering literary figures, to the resounding power of modern archives and printed works," said archivist Helen Shenton.

"Viewers will have unprecedented access to the library and its collections through the eyes of Trinity’s wonderful alumni Ruth Negga, Eleanor McEvoy, and David Norris."

The series will air on Friday, July 17 on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.