A group of students blockaded the entrance to the Books of Kells and the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin today forcing the closure of the tourist attraction.
The students said they were protesting at the increase in rents for student accommodation and called on the university to introduce a rent freeze.
Trinity College Dublin described the students' actions as "counterproductive".
László Molnárfi, President of the Trinity College Students' Union, said that the university has increased rents by 25% since 2015.
He said if the college does not meet their demand for a rent freeze, their protest would escalate.
"This is actively pricing students out of education. We see students that are couch surfing, we see students that are dropping out of academia, we see students in unsafe housing situations," he said.
"We decided to stand up to this very for-profit neo-liberal model of providing accommodation, we have decided to stand up to Trinity and its constant rent increases."
Trinity College Duiblin apologised to those who could not visit the Book of Kells today and promised ticket holders a full refund.
Visitors to the Book of Kells had a mixed reaction to the demonstration.
John Steinmein from Kentucky in the United States who was visiting the university with his wife Jan said "we don't really understand their issues and are probably less than enthusiastic about seeing someone stopping visitors."
Romi, who was visiting with a past pupil of Trinity from Washington DC, said he did not mind not being able to access the Book of Kells.
"It is what it is. They can say whatever they want to say," he said.
Bob Gellatry, who was visiting with his wife from the UK, said they were not too put out by the protest because they are in Dublin for a few days and hope to see the Book of Kells tomorrow. But he said he believed the students were targeting the wrong people.
"They're not really getting their message across to a large audience by approaching people that want to go and look at the Book of Kells," he said.
"I think they need to be telling somebody else really like the governors of Trinity College or whoever set the fees."
In a statement, Trinity College Dublin said that the recent rent increases were agreed three years ago and will be reviewed again in the new year.
The university also said that today's blockade was counter-productive, saying the revenue from the Book of Kells is used for the running of the university and student services, so it said the demonstrations were making things worse for everyone.
"This 2% increase was part of a three-year plan that will expire this year and will be subject to review," Trinity College said.
"Utility charges for students have not been increased at all this year despite significant inflation pressure. We are always open to engaging with the student body on discussing rents for future years.
"Students have every right to protest peacefully and we are always willing to listen to their views and engage in dialogue.
"However, blocking the entrance to the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin, which holds the Book of Kells, is counter-productive. Income from the Book of Kells exhibition is vital for running the university and for providing services to students.
"Actions like today's blockade only worsen the situation for everyone."
