Trinity College’s gift shop has launched a new line of merchandise proudly stamped “Made in Kells,” according to sources who can read a hangtag from three metres back in the queue.
The labels, printed in Dublin for logistical reasons described as “obvious if you think about it,” celebrate the manuscript’s hometown while the hangtag itself is printed in Dublin.
“It’s heritage,” a shop assistant explained, folding a scarf featuring knotwork that once took monks years and now takes a heat press twelve seconds. Asked if the hangtag meant the leaves were in Kells, the assistant gestured at the queue.
Shoppers are reminded that supporting the story means visiting Kells — and that a tea towel is not a manuscript, no matter how lovely the thread count.