Marsh’s Library
Ireland’s Oldest Public Library
Marsh’s Library is Ireland’s oldest public library and one of the country’s last 18th century buildings still being used for its original purpose. Opened in 1707, it contained the donated personal collection of the Most Rev. Narcissus Marsh, for whom it is named, as well as that of Dr. Elias Bouhereau, a Huguenot refugee who became the library’s first librarian.
Now containing over 25,000 books from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, 300 manuscripts, and around 80 books from before 1501, it is an essential visit for any lover of history literature, or architecture.
It is situated in St. Patrick’s Close, adjacent to the renowned St. Patrick’s Cathedral, only a ten minute walk from the Drury Court Hotel.
Admission is €5.00, or €3.00 for students and seniors, and joint entry tickets to the library and cathedral are available for €11.00. The library is open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.
Other Historical Attractions
Book of Kells & Trinity College
Ireland’s oldest university and home to the Book of Kells
Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty Library
The historical centre of power in Ireland & an incredible private collection on display
St Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built between the years of 1191 and 1270, on the site where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts to Christianity.