The National Library of Ireland, Dublin

The National Library of Ireland ("Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann" in Irish) occupies a building designed by Thomas Newenham Deane. The Library's mission is "To collect, preserve, promote and make accessible the documentary and intellectual record of the life of Ireland and to contribute to the provision of access to the larger universe of recorded knowledge".

The library is a reference library and so does not lend books. It has a large quantity of Irish and Irish-related material which can be consulted free of charge, including books, maps, manuscripts, music, newspapers, periodicals and photographs.

The Chief Herald of Ireland and National Photographic Archive are attached to the library. The library holds exhibitions and holds an archive of Irish newspapers.

The library also provides genealogy services.

The main library building is on Kildare Street, adjacent to Leinster House and the archaeology section of the National Museum of Ireland.

Opening Times

Main Reading Room
Monday to Wednesday: 9.30am - 9pm
Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 1pm

Information / Ticket Desk
Monday to Wednesday: 9.30am - 9pm
Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 1pm

Main Library Exhibitions
Including "Yeats: the life and
works of W.B. Yeats"
Mon - Wed: 9.30am - 9pm
Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Genealogy Advisory Service Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 1pm
Library Shop Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 4.45pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Café - Joly Tearoom
Mon - Wed: 9.30am - 7pm
Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 4.45pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Manuscripts Reading Room
Please note: Manuscripts are not issued between 12.30pm & 2pm, or 5pm & 6pm (Monday - Wednesday)
Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 9pm
Thurs & Fri: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 1pm

Exhibition Area, 2/3 Kildare St.
Discover your National Library: Explore, Reflect, Connect Monday to Wednesday: 9.30am - 9pm
Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 4.30pm

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Ticket Prices

Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 00 353 (0) 1 603 02 00
Email: info@nli.ie

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