Marsh's Library, Dublin

Founded in 1701, and named for Archbishop Marsh, its founder, Marsh's Library was the first public library in Ireland and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2001. The library contains over 25,000 books relating to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, covering medicine, law, science, travel, navigation, mathematics, music, surveying and classical literature. It is situated next to St Patrick's Cathedral.

The library still features its original fittings, including seating and shelving. The bookcases are made of dark oak with carved and lettered gables. There are three wire alcoves where readers would be locked in with rarer books.

(Interior photos of the library copyright Governors and Guardians of Marsh's Library.)

Opening Times

The library is open to the public every day except Tuesday and Sunday.

Weekdays: 9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Saturdays: 10am to 1pm.

Closed Tuesdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Closed from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day (inclusive).

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Ticket Prices

Visitors are asked to pay an entrance fee of €2.50, with €1.50 for students and senior citizens, and no charge for children.

Scholars and students are most welcome to carry out research, and are admitted free. Applications to carry out research should be made to the Keeper in advance

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 00 353 (0) 1 4543511
Email: keeper@marshlibrary.ie

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