Access Schedule for the Holiday Period
Trinity College Dublin will close its main gates at the end of business on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. The campus will remain closed until the start of business on Friday, 2 January 2026. All university buildings, including lecture halls, libraries and administrative offices, will be inaccessible during this period. Students, staff and visitors should plan their travel and work accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Key dates to remember:
- Closing time: 23 December 2025, 5:00 pm
- Reopening time: 2 January 2026, 8:00 am (varies by building)
For those who need to access the campus during the holiday break, the Estates & Facilities Service Centre will be available to arrange special access. Contact them at [email protected] or call 01 896 1317.
Special Arrangements for Residents and Essential Staff
Residents and essential staff who require on‑campus access during the closure can enter the university via the Front Gate or, by appointment, through the Lincoln Place Gate. To secure permission, submit a list of essential staff to the Estates & Facilities Service Centre no later than the close of business on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
When planning your visit, keep the following in mind:
- Only foot traffic is allowed through the Front Gate during the holiday period.
- Vehicle access through Lincoln Place Gate requires prior appointment.
- All essential staff lists must be approved before the campus closes.
For any questions about access, email [email protected] or call 01 896 1317.
Campus Gate Timings and External Campus Access
While the main campus remains closed, the university’s external campuses may have different opening hours. Department or school managers should consult their premises manager for specific schedules. The following table outlines the general gate times for the Island Campus during the holiday period:
| Gate | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Front Gate | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
| Lincoln Place Gate | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
| Other Gates | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
These times are subject to change, so verify with the relevant department before planning any on‑campus activity.
Building Closure and Reopening Times
All university buildings will close on 23 December 2025 and reopen on 2 January 2026. The Post Room Railway Arch No 1 will close at 12:00 pm on 23 December and will resume deliveries at 7:00 am on 2 January. Students and staff should plan to retrieve or send any urgent mail before the closure.
To avoid confusion, check the specific opening hours for your department’s building on the university website or contact the building manager.
Security Measures to Protect Your Property
During the holiday break, the university’s security risk increases due to reduced activity. Departments and schools should take the following precautions:
- Secure all items of value—laptops, cameras, petty cash boxes—in office safes or steel presses.
- Do not leave keys to safes in desk drawers or unsecured locations.
- Inspect all external doors and windows for proper lock function. Report any maintenance issues to the Estates & Facilities Service Centre immediately.
- Ensure that all fire doors and perimeter windows (e.g., Pearse Street, Westland Row, Lincoln Place) are locked before leaving.
- Set up a clear access procedure for the holiday period that does not compromise building security.
By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of theft or vandalism during the campus closure.
Health and Safety Precautions
For laboratories and research facilities, turn off all gases that are not required during the holiday period. Shut down non‑essential IT equipment, electrical appliances and lighting. Unplug extension leads and charging devices to prevent fire hazards. If you have additional Christmas decorations, ensure they are switched off or unplugged.
Staff who need to work over the holiday should use the Safezone App to call for help in case of an emergency. Familiarise yourself with the university’s lone working policy and keep emergency numbers handy.
Contact Information and Emergency Numbers
For security concerns, call 01 896 1317. In case of an emergency, dial 01 896 1999. The Estates & Facilities Department can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 01 896 1317.
Media inquiries can be directed to Joanne Carroll, Internal Communications Officer, at [email protected] or +353 86 136 8036.
Final Reminders and Next Steps
Plan your holiday schedule around the campus closure dates. Secure all valuable items, verify access arrangements, and ensure all safety protocols are in place. If you have any questions or need assistance arranging access, contact the Estates & Facilities Service Centre today.
For further information on Trinity College Dublin’s holiday policies, visit the university’s official website or explore related articles on our news and events page.
Have questions? Write to us at [email protected] or call 01 896 1000.
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