Marsh’s Library

I had the best time here, such a beautiful spot to take in so much history. The staff is wonderful, had a great chat about some books with bulletholes... you should ask! There are hidden Lego figures for kids (and adults) to spot, keep an eye out! The shop at the end is great, good variety. Also appreciated the garden you walk through before leaving, it was a lovely end to my visit.

Amazing people, kind and explaining, making you feel more than welcome. Library is amazing and features very old and hand-crafted leather and gold covered books 📚 Definitely a place for booklovers.

We got lucky and ended up there by accident on Open Architecture Day, so we joined a short guided tour. It’s an amazing and truly charming place filled with incredibly old books. Just wow!

At the risk of upsetting whoever is in charge of responding to the reviews here, I'm going to leave an honest *OPINION* of my experience at Marsh's Library. Simply put, my girlfriend and I were not impressed. To start, the price is a bit wild for what you get. You can argue that it's a charity (?) and that you let kids in for free etc, but for two adults that doesn't take the edge off that you've just paid €14 to walk through almost 3 identical rooms of offlimit books, with sparse information about anything. If you are expecting more than seeing a few book shelves then you'll be sorely disappointed. Here's a short list of things that I had some issue with that could be easily improved. 1. The price - its an "experience" that could take some people 10 minutes. While we tried to prolong our visit, there really isn't much to see. Reduce the price and/or add more content to read (an audio guide included in the price would be a perfect solution for this)...and no, lego pieces scattered across shelves does not count. And neither does the short 2 page leaflet handed to us at the door. 2. We were told when we entered, by the staff, that the library has remained "untouched" as it would have been even when Stoker would have visited. Does tacky fairy lights strung between the bookshelves, lego pieces among the books and garish postboxes between shelves not count? Call me boring but I found these to be intrusive to the experience, only acting to detract from an authentic and preserved old library experience. 3. You've mentioned that staff are there if you had questions...but they are only placed at the very beginning of the visit and then in the gift shop at the end. If I had a question about, for example, the cages where readers would have been locked in during their stay, do you want the visitors to walk all the way back to the start, grab a member of staff, march them to the cages and then ask questions there? Why not have a member of staff in each room that can offer information, insights into book restoration, add interesting facts about certain books or noteworthy people? I've seen in other reviews people mentioning bullet holes in books, which I didn't even know were there...how can I ask a question about that if I don't even know they exist? Why not put up more small signs with information about noteworthy books. For example 'If you look to the top right corner of this shelf, you will notice a bullet hole in the spine of the red book. This bullet hole was caused by etc etc". This could also be solved by adding an audioguide to the experience. 4. The garden is nothing to be marvelled at. Its literally just the back of the building with some muddy grass. I'm not sure why this is something visitors should be excited for. Did someone noteworthy used to read here? Did something important happen here? I wouldn't know because there is nothing to tell us so. 5. Why not repurpose just one of the shelf bays, with replica books, so visitors can enter the space for photo opportunities, sit down and see what it was like to enter such a space. Maybe this is less feasible due to having to move books etc, but just a thought. Please take this review as a genuine attempt to highlight some of the issues visitors may have, and I have offered several ways the overall experience can be enhanced. For example, all you need to do is go next door, see how St Patricks Cathedral have implemented their audioguide (included in the price of entry) and do the same - I really do believe this will enhance the experience of visitors, particularly those compelled to leave low ratings. Plus, people can choose whether they want an audioguide or not, so it does not spoil the experience of those just wanting to meander the bookshelves. I hope we can visit again in the future, and hopefully some improvements can be made so I can increase the score of my rating. Thank you.

So glad that I learned about this library. I got to see the books up close (look at those details!). I think that's the most exciting part of this space. You can see and smell the books! The staff was really nice. You can just walk in and get your ticket.

Wonderful old library full of atmosphere. Great exhibits, knowledgeable guides. Worth a trip in its own and definitely worth the 3-minute walk from St. Patrick's.

My favourite library in Dublin. Nothing too big of fancy like Trinity collège, but it is full of charm. 2nd time there. 5 € entrance, you ll spend between 30min to an hour there.

Fascinating library with a remarkable history, full of charm and the atmosphere of past centuries. The staff share their deep knowledge and passion, making a visit to Marsh’s Library in Dublin a true journey through time.

A poor man's Book of Kells, this library can hold its own. Entry is under 10 euros and the displays should keep you busy for about a half hour. I would not say it is a cannot miss in Dublin, but if you have extra time or are here for a return visit, I would certainly recommend working it in. So what will you find. Tons of old books. A bit of history on books, writing, and the printing press. A cool Instagram-able shot or two if you want a smart looking selfie. Enjoy!

I'm thankful to have visited this gem. The oldest public library in Dublin. 1707. It's beautiful and quiet. The books range from 300-500 years old and are in the original bay placement. Each bay is categorized by subject. It's fun to explore.

We bought the combo ticket with St Patrick's Cathedral and really enjoyed our visit to the Library since it had an exhibit showcasing the oldest printed books in the world. Inside every shelf and bookcase were packed with so much history. More impressive than the setting for the Book of Kells since many of the books were under restoration. The oldest books for the exhibition were in display cases to highlight specific topics, authors, designs, printing methods and/or age. It was really quite impressive. I got a kick out of the Easter "egg" hunt they crafted for Easter weekend. The Lego minifigs were hidden throughout the library and we just checked off our handout as we went a long. We did find all the minifigs eventually so they did a good job of placing them in the library. Staff here were so outgoing and informative. Always ready to provide more details or answer questions. As we exited through the gift shop we walked through a quiet but pleasant garden. Must see in Dublin!

I visited Marsh's Library a couple of days ago and it was absolutely amazing. It wasn't too expensive (we got the individual ticket not a combo with the cathedral) and was definitely worth it. I am a huge book person and just the smell of the books was intoxicating. There are thousands of books here and some of the oldest are on display so you can look at the pages they are open too. I think I could easily spend an hour or two here just looking at the shelves and their contents. There is a gift shop and bathroom downstairs by the exit. The prices are a bit high but standard for touristy gift shops. I only got one postcard and then went to the bathroom, which was small and not super clean but it got the job done. There's a cute little garden that you get to walk through when you exit which I really enjoyed. I think this was one of the highlights of my entire time in Dublin. It's a beautiful library with beautiful books and it's so heavy with history. You simply have to go here!

There's an old episode of the show "Hands" featuring Dublin bookbinders, and Marsh's Library is featured in part of it. Since then I have made it a bucket list item to visit this wonderful library. I was greeted by a library volunteer, Susan, who was very eager and passionate to tell me about some of the history and items on display. It was nice to have a pleasant chat with her. Like the Book of Kells and the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, this is an old leather bound book lovers paradise! Somehow this place is a bit less overwhelming. It's so charming here, and though you may not touch the volumes, you feel more connected to them. I would highly recommend a stop here, even for the casual tourist who is not a bibliophile. One of my favorite stops in Dublin!

This is the oldest public library in Ireland, so it's worth a visit for that fact alone. It has a fee of 2.50 euro or 1.50 euro for students and O.A.P's. "The library contains over 25,000 books from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, in addition to around 300 manuscripts, and around 80 books from before 1501. Subjects covered include medicine, law, science, travel, navigation, mathematics, music, surveying and classical literature, and especially theology. The Marsh collection includes works in oriental languages, and in Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish and Russian, as well as an important collection of Latin Judaica. The Bouhéreau collection relates especially to France, and French religious controversies, and also medicine. Among the manuscripts is a volume of the Lives of the Irish Saints in Latin from ca. 1400, as well as 16th century madrigals and other musical pieces, and manuscripts on theological, legal and medical matters." What I think is the most amazing feature is not the opportunity to learn stuff, I'm just keeping it real, it's the cages in there! They used to lock people in them when they read the rare books. Now if I was the ruler of the world I would have the best dance party in there with some hot dancers giving it socks in the cages, alas I am not.

Wow, for any book lover that is a little piece of magic that takes you back in time. Small and just so beautiful library that opened in 1707 and it was the first library to open in Ireland. Most definitely worth the visit. I believe there is 3 Euro admission and I think it is 2 for students, no pictures allowed.

Marsh's Library offers a unique experience into Ireland's first ever public library established in the year of 1707. This location has very particular hours and days of operation so pay close attention to that before planning your visit here. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and it was empty (apart from staff) inside. You will have to walk into the building, go upstairs and at the entrance to the library you will be approached by an individual who asks you if you would like to visit the library. If you reply yes, they tell you that they have a small entrance fee of 3 euros for adults, 2 euro for students, and free for children. As a student, I paid 2 euro and was not required to present my student identification card. Keep in mind that they prohibit any kind of photography or filming inside due to security reasons although at the end of the tour there is a selfie area with props. They also had a lego figures hunt for children during the time of our visit (in order to attract the younger generation to the historical site). What I found interesting is that there is a possibility for scholars (if they have a viable reason) to schedule an appointment to actually go through the manuscripts. Dispersed throughout the library there are displays of very fragile, ancient writing encased in glass. It is a charming little place which is relatively affordable to visit. I definitely recommend you pay Marsh's library a visit!

Magically stumbled upon this library when I got off the tour bus thinking I would be going to St. Patrick's Cathedral. It doesn't seem to be super popular with tourists which is interesting to me since writers like Bram Stoker and James Joyce roamed the halls. The outside of the library has a beautiful gate and you have to go up several stairs before entering the building. The inside isn't much changed and they don't have central heat so it can be a little chilly in the colder months. No pictures are allowed inside. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. One of the most affordable sites to see while in Dublin at 2 Euro. If I lived in Dublin I would love to volunteer at a place like this. I'm a purist though and don't read books on tablet and there's nothing like that old book smell. Go now! What are you waiting for? Oh, ps they are closed on Tuesdays.

Disclaimer: I volunteer at Marsh's Library. I haven't been asked to review it. I volunteer here because it is a lovely library, a cultural treasure and deserves to be visited. Marsh's Library, the first public library in Ireland, is one of very few Georgian buildings still used for the same purpose it was built for. Archbishop Marsh studied in Oxford and so based the library on his favourite part of the Bodleian library. There are over 25,000 books with the earliest printed book dating from 1472. They are mostly on show in the bookshelves with some in storage. The library is still a working reference library used by scholars and historians. It is run as a charity so the entrance fee is really quite reasonable at €3 or €2 for students or OAPs. The reading room has bullet holes in some of the books from stray machine gun fire during the 1916 Rising. The current exhibition is on writings about Japan from books in the collection including one volume of the beautifully hand painted Blaeu Atlas. No photos are allowed in the library.

Way better than waiting in line at the more touristy libraries like the one at Trinity. Do not miss this library if you like books or libraries. They always have an exhibit and even though it's small, you can spend a lot of time in here. Bring a donation. It's right next to St. Pat's cathedral, so if that's on your list, make sure you stop in. Definitely worth your time.

This is Ireland's oldest public library.The library was built in 1701 by a person called Archbishop Narcissus, the Georgian home was designed by Sir William Robinson. The library has many attractions including a 300-year-old interior complete with oak bookcases topped with mitres, and 25,000 books from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Many subjects are covered in the Library including medicine, law, science, music, ancient history and travel. The library is open to the public and events include regular book exhibitions. This library is a great gem.

This is truly a Dublin institution to visit! Hidden away behind leafiness and bushes, Marsh's library offers a rare insight into the bygone eras. The character of the place is absolutely marvelous. The shelves sag from the weight of books and knowledge that is present in the building and the gentle hush of the walls feels many years old. Visiting Marsh's library is like wandering into a film along the lines of Indiana Jones'; it's there for you to discover!

Beautiful & historic library. A real hidden gem.

For almost next to nothing, one can visit this library located at the start of Dublin's Liberties. Its main calling card is its rather elongated corridor; it has a tremendous array of old books, many of which were bequeathed by Edward Stillingfleet. But amazingly, to read these books, one had to be caged in, lest one did a runner with the literary tome in their hands! This can still be beheld and so is a real blast from the past! Indeed it would seem, that even Houdini would have been hard pressed to escape or extricate himself. Coupled with this, is the belief that the library is haunted by none other than its founder, Archbishop Marsh, still looking for his daughter who ran away with her lover! On a literary note, perhaps its most compelling feature, is seeing the original comments of Dean Jonathan Swift, in the margins of some of its books. Take a plunge in the depths of Marsh's.

Must see! A Dublin instution not only for bookworms.