Opening Ceremony for Languages 250 at Trinity (1776-2026)

Recorded 29th January 2026. Trinity College Dublin marks the 250th anniversary of the establishment of Modern Languages, a historic initiative that led to the creation of some of the oldest continuous Chairs of Modern Languages in the world. This special event, hosted at the Trinity Long Room Hub and organised by the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies, officially launches a year-long programme of commemorative events celebrating the rich legacy and ongoing vitality of Modern Languages at Trinity. The evening featured an address by Minister Thomas Byrne T.D, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, followed by an address from Pat Cox, President of the Jean Monnet Foundation and former President of the European Parliament. Also speaking at the event was the Provost Linda Doyle, Mary Cosgrove, incumbent 1776 Professor of German and Professor Michael Cronin, Chair of French 1776 at Trinity’s School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies. Learn more at www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub