Plan Your Visit

Marsh’s Library has remained unchanged for over three hundred years. First opened to the public in 1707, it is a beautiful eighteenth-century building with a unique atmosphere.

You will love being surrounded by the warm, comforting scent of ancient leather bindings and paper, and the sense that you have stepped into history.

Children are particularly welcome. Try our minifigure scavenger hunt!

Due to the historic nature of the building, the main library is currently not accessible to wheelchairs. For more information on accessibility please check here.

Please note that we will close on December Saturday 21st at 2:00pm for the Christmas period and re-open on January 3rd at 9:30 am. 

The second gallery of the Library

Opening Hours

The Library is open to visitors from 9.30 to 5.00, Tuesdays to Fridays and on Saturdays 10.00 to 5.00. It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays. If we have to close at other times, we will give as much notice as possible on our website and social media.

Marsh’s Library will close for Christmas on Saturday December 21st at 2pm and will reopen at 9:30am on January 3rd 2025.

 

What To Expect
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When you come up the stairs to the Library, the friendly staff at the door will tell you the story of the Library and what to look for as you go around the galleries.

You will be given a leaflet which helps you to guide yourself around. Then you can go at your own pace, and explore the exhibition and the building. There are always staff on hand to answer any questions you may have.

You will walk through the galleries and the old reading room, and see the cages where readers were once locked in to read.

Downstairs, you will go through our gift shop, and perhaps choose a present for a friend, or a souvenir of your visit.

Then you can wander through our hidden garden and relax before going on to your next destination.

The First Gallery
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The books have been in the same places on the original oak bookshelves for over three centuries. Our friendly staff have lots of stories — just ask!

The Old Reading Room
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The famous Irish writers Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker and James Joyce all read here. Sit at the original table in the Old Reading Room and soak up the literary vibes!

The Old Reading Room
The Second Gallery
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Stepping into the second gallery, you might experience a slight chill. Is this because of the cold north wall — or is it the ghost of an Archbishop?

The Second Gallery
The Cages
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At the end of the second gallery, you can see three alcoves with wired doors. Known as the ‘cages’, this was where readers were once locked in to prevent them stealing the books.

Three wired alcoves called 'The Cages'

“Petite mais sublime. Les personnes qui y travaillent sont très gentils. Il y a des fascicules de plusieurs langue pour d’avantages d’infos.”

 

Google Reviews

“Mesmerising atmosphere taking you head first into the years long forgotten”

 

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