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How to Visit Trinity College Library in Dublin

Planning my trip to Dublin, Ireland , I thought that a visit to Trinity College Library was at most importance for such a bookworm like me. I was wrong. Filled with some of the most prominent national treasures, a visit to Trinity College Library tops itineraries of almost every traveler who explores Dublin for the first time .

Last updated: February 25, 2024

How to Visit the Library of Trinity College Dublin

A long, symmetrical room entices your eyes, creating an illusion that there is no end to these massive walls. Day and artificial lights seem to also be overwhelmed by the size of the room. Unable to unveil centuries-old secrets of the Long Room of the Trinity College Library , they settle for a rather humble visit.

But even in this dim light, you can see books. A great amount of them. In fact, there are so many books that they fill all the shelves that align the tall walls.

This was my first virtual visit to the Long Room of the Trinity College Library in Dublin . I wasn’t looking for any specific pictures to inspire my first trip to the capital of Ireland . But, frankly, they came in handy. Once I laid my eyes on the photos of the Library of Trinity College Dublin, I knew I had to visit it sooner or later.

Meet Trinity College Dublin

Fast forward a few weeks and I marched straight to Trinity College in attempt to see its famous library on my first day in Dublin. Despite the early morning hours, the place was packed.

Tourists, impressed by the size and opulent architecture of Trinity College, gathered in the main square. Just arrived college students were hurriedly leaving the maddening crowds behind and streaming in different directions of the campus.

After admiring the main square for a few more minutes, I followed their lead.

Visit Trinity College Dublin

Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is one of the oldest universities in Western Europe. Its creation came in time when European cities strived for prestige and significance that would be bestowed on them upon the establishment of their own universities. For Ireland and Dublin, having its own university also meant an alignment with European school system and weakening of English control over the country.

Interestingly enough, Queen Elizabeth I, often called “the mother of a university”, founded the college. The royalty modeled the new establishment after the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Sadly, only one college, the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was built in the city.

The long official name of the institution, however, never gained popularity. Even today, both locals and visitors stick to the shorter names, such as Trinity College or University of Dublin.

Not being particularly popular, the early establishment occupied only a small part of today’s Front Square. The place set outside the walls of the city. As Dublin grew, it slowly swallowed the university, positioning it in the center of the city.

Today Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest surviving university, occupies 47 acres (190,000 square meters). It is recognized as one of the seven ancient universities of Great Britain and Ireland and one of the top academic institutions in Europe .

Library of Trinity College Dublin

One thing that differentiated Trinity College Dublin from other European newly-established universities was its eagerness and urgency of assembling its own library. Although the Library of Trinity College Dublin didn’t have its own space until the beginning of the 18th century, its collection started to grow almost instantly.

In 1661, Henry Jones presented the library with the Book of Kells. Up to this day, this ancient manuscript is one of the reasons why many people visit the Trinity College Library in the first place. In 1801, the library received legal deposit rights, allowing it to hold a copy of every book published in Ireland.

It was only a matter of time for such devotion and love for books to take shape in several buildings. Six of these library establishments are located on the Trinity College campus.

Visit the Old Library of Trinity College

While all the library buildings hold impressive book collections, the Old Library is the highlight of the visit to Trinity College Dublin.

The construction of the building started in 1712 and lasted twenty years. At the time of its completion, it was one of the tallest buildings on the campus. You can hardly notice the large scale of the Old Library when visiting Trinity College Dublin nowadays. Other structures of similar size surround the building, making it less profound from outside.

The interior, however, unveils the unprecedented character of the most famous library in the country. Even J.K. Rowling couldn’t resist it, using the Library of Trinity College Dublin as an inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter .

Read more: How to Visit Cuypers Library in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The Long Room

The highlight of the visit to the Old Library is the Long Room. Home to 200,000 books and manuscripts, this 65-meter-long chamber impresses with an old charm and the 19th-century decor.

With its barrel-vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling bookcases, the Long Room is rather dark. The natural light penetrates into the chamber through large windows. But trapped between the endless book shelves, the sun rays lose almost all their power by the time they make halfway through the room.

Fortunately, 14 white marble busts create a welcoming resonance, allowing for more light inside to the obvious delight of all those who visit the Long Room of the Library of Trinity College Dublin for the first time. Lining the chamber, these sculptures help your eyes adjust to the dim light quicker.

Once the overall darkness of the room ceases to bother the visitors of the Trinity College Library, the busts present themselves in full glory. The marble faces of great philosophers and writers of the Western World suddenly become your silent guides. With their strong connections with Trinity College Dublin, you can’t ask for the more knowledgeable companions.

The Book of Kells

While the Long Room entices with the Brian Boru Harp and one of the last remaining copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic , the Book of Kells always steals the show.

The finest example of the illuminated manuscript dates back to 800 AD. It contains the four Gospels of the New Testament with such opulent illustrations and ornamentations that surpass those in other Insular Gospel books.

The Book of Kells has been one the most cherished possession of the Trinity College Library since 1661. The manuscript first appeared on display only in the 19th century. To this day, thousands of tourists visit the Trinity College Library in attempt to see this ancient book.

Read more: Step Inside 7 of the World’s Most Remarkable Libraries

Planning Your Visit to Trinity College Library

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Admission to Trinity College Dublin

To visit Trinity College Dublin and learn more about its history, including its famous library, you can join student-led tours. They run from June though September. The ticket includes a tour through the college and admission to the Book of Kells. The tours are optional. If it is not your cup of tea, skip them and explore the Trinity College Dublin at your own pace, free of charge.

Admission and Times to Visit Trinity College Library and See Its Exhibits

Trinity College Library and its exhibits are open to visit seven days a week. You can purchase tickets online. The admission to the Book of Kells exhibit also includes a visit to the Old Library and the Long Room of the Library of Trinity College Dublin.

• Monday – Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Getting to Trinity College

Due to its central location, you can visit the Trinity College Library while exploring other landmarks of the city. Although Dublin’s public transport functions well, I would recommend exploring the center of the city on foot. Dublin with its colorful abundance offers many interesting places you otherwise risk to miss. Moreover, Trinity College Dublin is just a short walk away from Temple Bar and the famous Ha’penny Bridge.

• Inside Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin

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Hi, if I understand correctly, the admission fee is 18€ for the both of them and only for 30 minutes, which I find quite expensive. Is it possible to buy a ticket only for the old library (without the book of Kells)?

I’m afraid you have to pay for both, even if you don’t want to see the Book of Kells. There are discounts for students and seniors. I used my California student ID to purchase the ticket. When it comes to the time inside the library, I definitely took my sweet time and spent more than 30 minutes. Nobody rushed me out or checked what time I entered the library.

Must a ticket be purchased to simply visit the Long Hall of the Old Library?

The Long Room is one of the main attractions of the library. Yes, tickers are required. Only Trinity College students and staff can visit the library free of charge and bring along up to 2 guests.

Sind die Trinity Bibliotheken zwischen Weihnachten und Neujahr geöffnet?

Ich glaube sie sind geschlossen.

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COVID-19 Safety Measures in the Library

To ensure the safety of all staff and readers, the following measures will remain in place until further notice:

• Readers are advised to wear face coverings in all Library spaces for the full duration of their visit.
• The Library provides hand sanitiser and spray for cleaning study spaces at key locations throughout the reading rooms. Please wipe on and wipe off before and after you use a study desk or PC
• Readers should feel free to browse and use books from the open shelves. When finished with a book, it should be placed on the nearest available trolley. Books should *not* be re-shelved - Library staff will take care of this
• To return a book, please use the self-issue kiosks or book drops.
• If you wish to view a consultation-only item again the following day, please return it to a service counter and staff can place it on hold for you.
• When leaving the building, please ensure that all books are removed from your study desk and placed on trolleys. This will make the job of cleaning the reading rooms easier and safer for Housekeeping staff

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• Last Updated: May 8, 2024 10:19 AM
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Testimonials.

It was such great experience! The tour around the grounds of Trinity was amazing, our guide was a 3rd Yr student of Trinity, who was so witty, funny, knowledgeable and passionate – it was an absolute pleasure to listen to him. The Book of Kells itself and the Old Library were not guided but breathtaking all the same.

November 2022

Impressive University, rich architecture and amazing history. Real students enjoying the fantastic structure of the campus!

This was a must see on my Dublin visit having read plenty of Sally Rooney and Tana French where the college plays a role. The guided tour from a student, Connor, was excellent. As a third year student he was very knowledgeable and gave us a real insight into the history of the college with lots of fun tales too. The Book of Kells exhibition is also a must. An amazing book. And then there’s the library – oh wow! Stunning.

October 2022

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Discover The Story Behind Marsh’s Library In Dublin (The Oldest In Ireland)

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: January 30, 2024

The magnificent Marsh’s Library is the oldest library in Ireland and a visit here is one of our favourite things to do in Dublin .

Cages, bullet holes and ancient books are just part of the story of the wonderful Marsh’s Library in Dublin !

Ireland’s oldest library dates back to 1707 and is one of the last 18th-century buildings in Ireland still used for its original purpose.

In the guide below, you’ll find info on everything from the history of Marsh’s Library and how to visit to its  very  unique features.

Some quick need-to-knows about Marsh’s Library in Dublin

Photos via Marsh’s Library on Facebook

Although a visit to Marsh’s Library is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

You’ll find Marsh’s Library in the shadows of nearby St Patrick’s Cathedral , on St Patrick’s Close. St Patrick’s Cathedral is full of history too, so make an afternoon of it by visiting one after the other!

2. Opening hours and admission

Marsh’s Library is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 5pm. It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is:

• €7 for adults
• €4 for students/seniors/concessions
• There’s a joint St Patrick’s Cathedral ticket for €14

3. Books and bullet holes

Marsh’s Library still has scars remaining from arguably Dublin’s most dramatic event. The Library came under rifle fire throughout the famous Easter Rising of 1916 , but significant damage was inflicted on the morning of Sunday, April 30th, when a British army machine-gun sprayed the building with bullets, the holes of which are still visible today.

4. Famous visitors

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a library of this standing attracted some of Dublin’s most famous writers to within its historic walls. Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and James Joyce are just three of the literary luminaries to pass through its doors. There’s even a little spot in the central reading room known as Swift’s Corner, where he used to sit and look out at the cathedral.

The history of Marsh’s Library

Photo by James Fennell via Ireland’s Content Pool

The story of Marsh’s Library begins with the superbly named Archbishop Narcissus Marsh . Marsh was an English clergyman who moved to Dublin in 1679 when he was named Provost of Trinity College and eventually rose to become Archbishop of Dublin in 1694.

The early days

Not long after this, he began the process of building Marsh’s Library near St Patrick’s Cathedral. It opened in 1707 (by this time Marsh was the Archbishop of Armagh) and immediately had all of the latest books available at the time, as well as the classics.

And considering all of the changes and events that Dublin has seen over the last 300 years, it’s the only building in the city unchanged from that period that is still used for its original purpose.

Building and safeguarding the collection

The books were donated to the library in the early 18th century by important scholars, so they are very rare and valuable.

Almost 10 per cent of the collection went missing in the first 60 years. So, they brought in cages! After 1767, if the librarians didn’t like the look of you or if you asked to see some very rare books, you couldn’t sit in the bays and would be locked into one of the cages.

Muriel McCarthy became the first female Keeper in 1989, holding the position until her retirement in 2011.

Visiting Marsh’s Library in Dublin

With a collection of over 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts, the library has a stunning collection of titles from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries (including 80 books from before 1501!).

But the books aren’t the only reason to visit this historic spot. It’s effectively a time machine too!

In fact, things have barely changed inside, and they still have the original bookshelves, the original reading desks and all the books are in the same place as they were 300 years ago. Visitors can book a tour in advance or self-guide through the library.

The ghost of Marsh’s Library

Of course, there’s a ghost! Though I don’t think it’s quite as scary as the library ghost in Ghostbusters, thankfully.

The ghost of an old man can be seen rummaging through the bookcases at midnight, and this spectre apparently takes the form of the founder of the library, Archbishop Narcissus Marsh himself.

The story goes that his beloved niece fell in love with a sea captain who Marsh didn’t approve of, so she left him a note explaining her decision and asking for forgiveness. But Archbishop Marsh never found the note, so his apparition returns to the library frequently on an endless search for it.

Things to do near Marsh’s Library

One of the beauties of visiting Marsh’s Library is that it’s a short spin away from some of the best places to visit in Dublin .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the library (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. St Patrick’s Cathedral

Photo left: SAKhanPhotography. Photo right: Sean Pavone (Shutterstock)

Adjacent to the library is one of Dublin’s oldest and most iconic sights. Dating back to 1191 (though little from that period remains today), St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s two cathedrals (unusual in itself) alongside Christ Church Cathedral . It would be rude not to visit since you’re so close!

2. Whiskey distilleries

Photo via Diageo

If you want to kick back with a drop after all that reading and history, you’re in luck! Just a short walk from Marsh’s Library are a couple of Dublin’s finest modern whiskey distilleries – Teelings Whiskey Distillery on Newmarket and The Dublin Liberties Distillery on Mill Street. Find out how they work and enjoy a sample at the end (or a few samples!).

3. Food and old-school pubs

Photo left via the Brazen Head on FB. Photo right via Toners Pub on FB

Continue your historic journey while sitting back with a lovely creamy pint and some fine food! Just a 10-minute walk north from Marsh’s Library is the Brazen Head , by some distance the oldest pub in Dublin with its claims of origin dating to 1198. You’ll find some more of the oldest pubs in Dublin nearby, too.

4. Endless attractions in the city

Photo left by Lukas Fendek (Shutterstock). Photo right via Dublinia on Facebook

Thanks to its handy central location, there’s a ton of other spots you can visit when you’re finished at Marsh’s Library. The pleasant bucolic surroundings of St Stephen’s Green are less than 10 minutes away, while there’s more history to be discovered at Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral just a 5-minute walk north.

FAQs about Marsh’s Library

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where is Marsh’s Library?” (beside St Patrick’s Cathedral) to ‘Where to visit nearby?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Marsh’s Library worth visiting?

100% yes! This place is home to a wealth of history and it’s a beautiful building to explore. It’s quirky past also makes for interesting reading.

Is Marsh’s Library the oldest library in Ireland?

Yes – it dates back to 1707 and is one of the last 18th-century buildings in Ireland still used for its original purpose.

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You are here The Old Library > The Long Room

The Long Room

Visits to the Old Library can be booked on the Book of Kells Experience website .

When built (between 1712 and 1732) it had a flat plaster ceiling and shelving for books was on the lower level only, with an open gallery. By the 1850s these shelves had become completely full; largely as since 1801 the Library had been given the right to claim a free copy of every book published in Britain and Ireland. In 1860 the roof was raised to allow construction of the present barrel-vaulted ceiling and upper gallery bookcases.

Marble busts line the Long Room, a collection that began in 1743 when 14 busts were commissioned from sculptor Peter Scheemakers. The busts are of the great philosophers and writers of the western world and also of those connected with Trinity College Dublin - famous and not so famous. The finest antique bust in the collection is of the writer Jonathan Swift by Louis Francois Roubiliac.

Another treasure in the Long Room is one of the few remaining copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic which was read outside the General Post Office on 24 April 1916 by Patrick Pearse at the start of the Easter Rising.

There is also a medieval harp on display known as the Brian Boru harp. The harp is the oldest of its kind in Ireland; it has incorrectly become associated with the great Irish king Brian Boru (died 1014). Although its early history is uncertain, it probably dates from the 15th century. It is made of oak and willow with 29 brass strings, and is the model for the emblem of Ireland.

The band of gold lettering below the gallery commemorates benefactors of the 17th and 18th centuries:

• James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh
• King Charles II
• William Palliser, Archbishop of Cashel
• Claudius Gilbert
• Theophilius Butler

There are temporary exhibitions held in the Long Room which display the rich holdings of the Library and encourage further research.

Location of busts in the Old Library Building, the Library of Trinity College Dublin

Names in brackets denote sculptor.

B Claudius Gilbert left money in his will for busts of “men eminent for learning” to adorn the Library – these are the 14 busts by Peter Scheemakers C Former Chancellor of the University L Former Librarian LA Library Assistant to JH Todd P Former Provost

Note 1 . The plaster cast bust of Charles Kendal Bushe by Turnerelli is not listed in Crookshank and Webb or Strickland. A similar bust is listed in National Gallery of Ireland: Illustrated summary catalogue of prints and sculpture . Dublin: NGI. 1988. [p. 600, catalogue no. 8188].

There are three other busts listed in Strickland as being in the Library. Two are James McCullagh (p. 63) and Matthew Young (p. 77) – both of which are in Crookshank and Webb (p. 90 & 145) and both are now located in the Senior Common Room above the doors of the main room. A third bust of James Henthorn Todd (former Librarian) by Joseph Robinson Kirk, (p. 74) is neither listed in Crookshank and Webb or to be found in the Library; we suspect a cast of this is the plaster bust of Todd in St Columba's College, which Todd co-founded.

The following busts were on display until January 2023; these have been transferred to storage before conservation, to commence a pilot project for the holistic conservation of all the sculptures of the Old Library, during the period of its closure and redevelopment.

Trevor Peare Former Keeper (Readers’ Services) September 2015 (updated January 2023)

Anne Crookshank & David Webb. Paintings and sculptures in Trinity College Dublin. Dublin: Trinity College Dublin Press. 1990. [Includes pictures of all busts and brief biographies of the subjects]

W. G. Strickland. A descriptive catalogue of the pictures, busts and sculptures in Trinity College Dublin and in the Provost’s House. Dublin: The University Press. 1916. [Brief biographies of subjects, but no illustrations]

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1. The Book of Kells & Old Library

2. Marsh's Library

3. National Library of Ireland

4. National Photographic Archive

5. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown library

6. The Library Project

7. Catholic Central Library

8. Rathmines Library

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• 5 Libraries In Dublin Every...

5 Libraries in Dublin Every Bibliophile Should Visit

As described by Virginia Woolf, exploring a library is much like exploring a shipwreck and finding sunken treasure. Libraries are melting pots of culture, life and history, with the most relaxing and incredible atmospheres. Dublin’s libraries are varied, from the intricately and impressively designed, to the modern and simple. Here are 5 of the very best.

1. National Library of Ireland

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Marsh's Library

• Family friendly

Famous readers have included the Irish writers Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and James Joyce. You will see the cages into which readers were locked, the courtyard garden and perhaps even the ghost of Archbishop Marsh.

Children are particularly welcome, and they will enjoy the mini figure hunt through the library. Visit the website for information on current exhibitions and its range of online resources and activities.

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Travel for Library Lovers

A nd if you’re going to be in one destination or an extended period of time, you may be able to get a temporary library card giving you access to books and services for the time you’re there. For a book lover, that’s a big travel bonus. (If you’re looking for reading ideas, you can find some of my recommendations here.)

I asked a few traveling friends to share some of their favorite ideas about libraries.

The Long Room, Dublin: when Jedi knowledge meets monastic Ireland

When I think of libraries one that is top of mind is Trinity College and the Book of Kells. When Marta visited, however, she saw a comparison between Trinity College’s Long Room and Star Wars’ Jedi Temple archive. Do you see the similarity?

The Long Room is the most imposing and beautiful part of the vast Trinity College Library, an impressive collection of over 3 million manuscripts and books hosted in the grounds of Dublin’s oldest university. Trinity college dates back to 1592 when it was funded by charter of Queen Elisabeth, but the oldest library buildings we see now only date back to 1712, when construction started following the designs of Thomas Burgh. 

Read original article here: The Long Room, Dublin: when Jedi knowledge meets monastic Ireland

Osgoode Hall, Toronto, Ontario – Photo Essay

Osgoode Hall in downtown Toronto is home to the two courts and the Law Society. It also houses the largest private law library in Canada, the Great Library, with over 100,000 volumes. Mary captured the grandeur of the building in photos.

I recently had an opportunity to tour the inside of Osgoode Hall and although it wasn’t a requirement or even necessary, I couldn’t help but whisper as I walked through the halls. You are after all in a place of law! Another thing was that I felt really small, especially in the library…with its high ornate ceilings and walls filled with books.

Read original article here: Osgoode Hall, Toronto, Ontario – Photo Essay

Underwhelmed in Alexandria, Egypt

Although he was underwhelmed, in general, with Alexandria, Lance was impressed with the collections at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (that’s his photo above).

We LOVED the area dedicated to the late President Anwar Sadat. It included a number of items from Sadat’s life, including a letter from then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter praising him for his role in bringing peace to relations with Israel as well as the clothes he was wearing when he was assassinated. Being American and woefully ignorant of Egyptian history, seeing this room (especially in the aftermath of the January 25 revolution) helped bring context to the political struggles of the country.

Read original article here: Underwhelmed in Alexandria, Egypt

Getting Booked at New York’s Library Hotel

The Library Hotel in New York City combines two of my favorite things – books and a luxury stay – in an enticing environment. I’ve put this on my to-stay list.

Lance liked it too (that’s his photo above) and says:

One of the unusual aspects of the hotel is its number system. The entire hotel is laid out on the Dewey Decimal System. Each of the floors and all of the rooms have a theme based on the Dewey system. Our room was the Middle Eastern Language room and featured Islamic art (one of our favorites).

Read original article here: Getting Booked at New York’s Library Hotel

As for me, my favorite library in the New York Public Library with Patience and Fortitude (the two stone lions out front) to welcome you. You’ve likely seen the library in movies (Ghostbusters, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Sex and the City, to name just a few), but you should get there to see it in person.

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