The Book of Durrow is a 7th century illuminated manuscript written in a dignified Irish majuscule (large letter) script. Similar to the Book of Kells in style of illumination, it also contains the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Book of Durrow contains outstanding examples of colourful ornament; the colours are red, green and yellow. The opening pages of Mark and Luke and the ‘carpet’ pages with their trumpet and spiral patterns are especially beautiful.

An eastern influence is evident in the broad ribbon interlacing in the Book of Durrow. We can also see Anglo-Saxon features in the lively rhythm of designs that move from abstract and linear to animal-headed intertwining ribbons. The portraits were deliberately stylized and the four evangelists are depicted magnificently, framed and coloured, as man, lion, calf and eagle.

The Book of Durrow is housed at Trinity College, in Dublin, Ireland.