Visit Marsh’s Library: Ireland’s Oldest Public Library
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Right next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Marsh’s Library is one of Dublin’s best-hidden treasures. Opened in 1707, it was Ireland’s first public library, and remarkably, it still looks the same today.
Step inside, and you’ll be welcomed by towering oak shelves and the scent of old books hanging in the air. Literary legends like Jonathan Swift and James Joyce once walked these aisles, and even the original 18th-century reading cages are still here.
The Marsh’s library holds over 25,000 rare books and manuscripts from the 16th to 18th centuries. Walking through centuries of knowledge in such a beautifully preserved space is fascinating, even if you’re not a history buff.
Best of all? It’s peaceful and one of the prettiest libraries in Ireland. While tourists crowd Dublin’s bigger attractions, Marsh’s Library remains quiet and a great alternative to Trinity College’s Long Room.
If you love books, history, or discovering unique places in Ireland, add this place to your travel bucket list. Here are all the details you need to know before visiting the Marsh’s Library in Dublin.
Planning Your Visit
Where is Marsh’s Library?
Marsh’s Library is right in the heart of Dublin, just a stone’s throw away from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Despite being close to some of the city’s busiest attractions, it remains a quiet retreat and a hidden gem for book lovers and history enthusiasts.
You can easily walk to the library from anywhere in Dublin City. Several bus routes are stopping nearby, such as:
- Patrick’s Street – stop 2383: 27, 49, 54A, 56A, 74, 150, 151
- Kevin Street – stop 2311: 27, 56A, 77A, 150, 151
If you’re driving, you might find on-street parking right outside the Library (Pay & Display from Monday to Saturday). Otherwise, the closest car park is Q-Park Christchurch on Bride St.
The closest Luas (tram) stop is St Stephen’s Green on the Green Line (800 m) or Jervis on the Red Libe (1.2km)
How to Visit?
The library is open:
📅 Tuesday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
📅 Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
❌ Closed on Sundays & Mondays
There is a small entry fee of €7 per person and €4 for seniors and students. Under-18s and social welfare recipients get in for free.
Consider pairing it with the St. Patrick’s Cathedral (€15 for both attractions) to make the most of your visit. You’ll save a couple of euros.
If you’re looking for more ways to explore Dublin’s history without worrying about the weather, check out our guide to the best indoor activities in Dublin
Accessibility
The library is housed in an 18th-century building accessible by old steps and a large staircase. Unfortunately, this makes the building unsuitable for wheelchair visitors.
However, the staff are always happy to assist and offer alternative entry options. If you have specific needs, it’s best to contact them in advance via email at information@marshlibrary.ie or phone at (01) 454 3511.
Self-guided vs guided tours
The library visit is self-guided only, but you can ask the staff at the entrance door as many questions as you want. You’ll also be given a leaflet with more details about the place, its history, and things to look for, like Bullet holes in books and old Skulls!
However, my first visit to the library was actually a guided one, as I went during Culture Night. The guide took us through the building, sharing stories about its history and ghosts! If you’re a local or visiting in September, keep an eye out for these special events.
If you are visiting as a group, you can choose a guided tour experience. To do this, you must contact the staff via their website here.
A Self-Guided Tour – what to expect & see?
With over 25,000 volumes dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, every shelf is packed with history. As you wander through the dimly lit aisles, you’ll find rare manuscripts, first editions, and beautifully preserved book bindings.
Walking around the library, you will pass two galleries linked by a reading room. Along the way, read the exhibition panel on the side of the shelves and look at the glass cases, which display and explain the current exhibition.
First Gallery
As you pass the entry door on the 1st floor of the building, your journey starts in the First Gallery, where towering oak bookshelves have stood untouched since the 18th century. These shelves hold books on theology, philosophy, early science, and literature. About 10,000 books in this room remain in the same position as three centuries ago.
Old Reading Room
At the end of the First gallery-long room, you will enter the old reading room, one of the most striking spots in the library. Here, authors like Bram Stoker and James Joyce once spent time reading and consulting the catalogue.
However, that’s not all! In this room, you’ll also find books that bear the marks of history. In fact, you can see actual bullet holes in some books and shelves that entered the library through the large window during the 1916 Easter Rising events.
Second Gallery
As you move into the Second Gallery, the sense of history deepens. Like the First Gallery, this room has rare books and manuscripts. As you swing right, you will notice to your left the library’s most unusual feature: its Reading Cages.
These small, enclosed spaces were once used to lock in scholars and prevent book theft after over a thousand disappeared in the first years of opening. These 18th-century security measures might seem extreme today, but they give a fascinating insight into how valuable these books were (and still are).
Looking closely into the second cage, you’ll notice an eerie artefact: a human skull. No one knows how it ended here, but it has inspired many ghost stories. For more details, see our paragraph about the library’s ghost stories.
The Gift Shop
At the end of the visit, you will go down a Spiral staircase leading to the exit via the Gift Shop. You will find beautifully designed bookmarks, old-style maps, literary-themed souvenirs, and scholarly publications. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or a gift for the book lover in your life.
The Garden
Before returning to where you started, the path will take you through the library’s small but peaceful garden. Tucked away from the noise of the street, this little garden is perfect for a quick break.
Marsh’s Library History and Interesting Facts
Marsh’s Library exists thanks to Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, who founded it in 1707 to create a public library for Dublin’s scholars and thinkers. Over 300 years later, his vision still stands.
From the beginning, this place became a hub for writers and academics. Literary greats like Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker spent time here, poring over its rare books. Some even believe the library’s dimly lit Gothic atmosphere helped inspire Stoker’s Dracula!
But Marsh’s Library isn’t just about books. It has seen history unfold within its walls. Bullet holes from the 1916 Easter Rising still mark some of its shelves, a haunting reminder of Ireland’s struggle for independence. These little details make the past feel strikingly real.
A Treasure Trove of Rare Books
Marsh’s Library is a paradise for book lovers. It houses over 25,000 rare volumes from the 16th to 18th centuries. Among them are first editions, unique manuscripts, and exquisitely bound books that link directly to the scholars and writers who once studied them.
One fascinating relic of the past is the practice of chaining books to the shelves, a security method used to prevent theft in earlier centuries. Though the chains are long gone, the tradition speaks to how valuable these books were (and still are).
Fun fact: Did you know the book’s bindings are made of animal skins soaked in urine for weeks to dissolve the skin’s fatty tissue, flesh, and hair?
The Ghostly Legends of Marsh’s Library
Like any place with centuries of history, Marsh’s Library has its fair share of ghost stories. One of the most famous involves its founder, Archbishop Narcissus Marsh.
Legend has it that Marsh’s beloved niece fell in love with a sea captain, a match he strongly disapproved of. Heartbroken but determined, she left him a note hidden in one of the books, asking for forgiveness before she eloped. But Marsh never found it. Now, visitors and staff claim to see the ghost of an old man, eerily resembling the Archbishop himself, wandering the bookcases at midnight, forever searching for the lost letter.
Another haunting tale involves Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, and his lifelong companion, Stella (Esther Johnson). Their bodies are buried next door in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, but their skulls were once studied for research, and copies were made. Stella’s skull now rests in one of the reading cages at the back of Marsh’s Library, while Swift’s remains in the cathedral. According to legend, Swift’s ghost drifts into the library at night, searching for Stella, unable to rest without her.
If you want to read more about Marsh’s Library stories, I recommend reading this book illustrated with spooky drawings: Scary (And Hairy) Tales From Marsh’s Library.
FAQ
Can you study in Marsh’s Library?
Yes, but it’s not like a modern study space. Scholars can apply for access to research the library’s rare books and manuscripts, but casual visitors won’t be able to sit down with a laptop and study.
How long do I need to visit?
A typical visit lasts 30–45 minutes, but you might want to stay longer if you love books and history. Since it’s a self-guided experience, you can explore at your own pace.
Marsh’s Library is a hidden gem, but there’s more to discover! Don’t miss our list of these 8 things you must do in Dublin.
Can I borrow books from Marsh’s Library?
No, the books in Marsh’s Library are too rare and valuable to be borrowed. If you’re interested in using the library for academic purposes, it’s best to contact them in advance. Here is the link to the Marsh’s Library Catalogue.
Is Marsh’s Library free?
No, there is a small entrance fee to help maintain the library. However, the cost is very reasonable, and the experience is well worth it.
What is the most beautiful library in Ireland?
That’s a tough one! Trinity College’s Long Room Library is often considered the most stunning, with its high arched ceilings and endless rows of old books. But Marsh’s Library has a unique charm. It is smaller, more intimate, and beautifully preserved in its original 18th-century state. Also, it still has all the books on shelves, while those at the Long Room were removed in 2023.
How old is Marsh’s Library?
Marsh’s Library was founded in 1707, making it over 318 years old! It’s also Ireland’s first public library, and what makes it truly special is that it has remained almost unchanged since it first opened.
Places to visit nearby
After your visit, take a scenic stroll through the city! Our guide to the best walks in Dublin city centre will help you explore more historic spots on foot. Alternatively, check out these nearby places to visit!
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Right next door to Marsh’s Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. Founded in 1191, it’s steeped in history and is the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels. The stunning stained glass windows, medieval architecture, and peaceful gardens make it a must-visit.
Dublin Castle
Just a short walk away, Dublin Castle has been at the heart of Irish history for over 800 years. Once the seat of British rule in Ireland, today it’s a fascinating place to explore, with opulent State Apartments, Viking ruins, and beautifully landscaped gardens. History & architecture buffs will love its rich blend of medieval, Georgian, and modern influences.
Chester Beatty Library
The Chester Beatty Library is a treasure trove of rare books, manuscripts, and artwork worldwide located right outside Dublin Castle. Often called one of Europe’s best museums, it houses ancient religious texts, intricate calligraphy, and stunning Asian and Middle Eastern artefacts. Best of all? Entry is completely free!
Christchurch
A 10-minute walk from Marsh’s Library, Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin’s oldest and most impressive medieval buildings. Inside, you’ll find soaring Gothic architecture, a magnificent organ, and even a crypt that holds the mummified remains of a cat and a rat, one of Dublin’s strangest curiosities!
Want to explore more of the city? Our Dublin Travel Guide has everything you need to know, from must-see sights to hidden gems like Marsh’s Library.
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That library looks amazing. I heard the long room had no books anymore so this is an excellent alternative!
Wow! This library is so unique and looks so interesting.