Marsh's Library
Marsh's Library
4.5
Tuesday
09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:30 - 17:00
Thursday
09:30 - 17:00
Friday
09:30 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
About
One of Dublin's most beautiful tourist attractions. Established in 1707, Marsh's Library is a beautifully preserved library of the early Enlightenment complete with its original oak bookcases. Visitors often comment on the wonderful smell. The library contains over 25,000 rare and interesting books, and our current exhibition brings a selection of these to life for visitors.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South City Centre
How to get there
- St. Stephen's Green • 8 min walk
- Harcourt • 10 min walk
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4.5
675 reviews
Excellent
465
Very good
164
Average
39
Poor
6
Terrible
1
Eugene L
Ukraine6 contributions
Jan 2023
thanks for chance to visit this place, it was great experience to see old books, and how they are stored keeping history
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles H
Los Angeles, CA83 contributions
Jan 2023
A little gem with deep history. Visit prepared to ask questions of the staff: who used the library, how are the books arranged, what did Bram Stoker do with his time there? A lovely respite and you’ll probably be the only tourist there.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dnyaneshwari
Mumbai, India42 contributions
Oct 2022
When visiting Dublin, do visit Marsh's Library. It's a hidden gem. We came across it accidently while going to the famous St Patrick cathedral and were truly blown over by the collection. If you are an avid reader, you will be amazed by the vast variety of books in this first public library opened in 1707 in Dublin. Even if you are not into reading , do visit it to see some very rare specimens. There are books whose edges are gilded in real gold and then have designs engraved on them. There are books with detailed drawings of flora and fauna as a substitute to non existent photography at that time. There are reading enclosures with locks from outsides and bells to come out, so as to avoid theft of books. All in all I feel it's a must visit if you are interested in bygone era.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jenn J
3 contributions
Dec 2022
We adored our time at this treasure of a library! I'm so glad we went as it was one of my favorite stops in Dublin. The books on exhibit are absolutely stunning and we could tell the curators had put a lot of thought into what was on display. Highly recommend stopping by!
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dov P
Panama City Beach, FL36 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Nice side visit to an excellent library with knowledgeable staff. Good visit if you like old libraries.
It is near the cathedral and easy to visit with no major lines or pre-visit tickets as
Enjoy.
It is near the cathedral and easy to visit with no major lines or pre-visit tickets as
Enjoy.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lella Erludóttir
23 contributions
Oct 2022
I did not know about Marsh's Library before I visited Dublin. A tour guide told me about it after I raved about how much I loved the old library at Trinity College. So, of course, I had to visit Marsh's as well. I recommend Marsh's library to all book lovers, history nerds and lovers of all things beautiful.
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ciyates
96 contributions
Oct 2022
I am so glad we made the time to find this hidden treasure. It is a self guided tour but they do an amazing job of setting you up for success. It is so much more than an old library it is a piece of history. Can be done in about 45 minutes so worth the time.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew K
New York City, NY880 contributions
Sep 2022
We stopped here on the way to St. Patrick's, and wound up spending more time here than in the cathedral the stories about users were fascinating -- the staff is wonderful.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JRMADA
United States3,255 contributions
Sep 2022
This is a lovely library and the first public library in Ireland (1707). The staff is so kind and helpful, and if you go when it first opens, you’ll have it all to yourself for a few minutes (that’s what we did). Don’t forget to ask about Johnathan Swift’s corner and Bram Stoker’s table. Here you can actually see the books up close, and I was told during my visit that a book by Sir Isaac Newton is part of their collection. However, this one is under locking key and not on display (too valuable). It is a working library, so people do get to check out the books. Non flash photography for personal use is allowed, so go, ask as many questions, and take as many non flash pics as your heart desires. You’ll get a discount on your entry fee if you buy the combo ticket (St Patrick’s cathedral and Marsh’s Library). We highly recommend it!
Written 2 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jacob Wardamse
Dublin, Ireland81 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
...but this one is a real, still active, 250 year old place that looks, feels and even smells like an ancient place frozen in time. Mesmerising atmosphere taking you head first into the years long forgotten.
Written 29 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Marsh's Library | Dublin | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Marsh's Library
- Marsh's Library is open:
- Tue - Fri 09:30 - 17:00
- Sat - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- We recommend booking Marsh's Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Marsh's Library tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Marsh's Library:
- (0.19 km) Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin
- (0.12 km) Maldron Hotel Kevin Street
- (0.25 km) Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin
- (0.29 km) Staycity Aparthotels Dublin Castle
- (0.43 km) Arthaus Hotel
- Restaurants near Marsh's Library:
- (0.12 km) The Fourth Corner
- (0.21 km) Bite of Life
- (0.12 km) Assassination Custard
- (0.16 km) The Cathedral Cafe
- (0.13 km) The Blossom Tree Café