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The National Library of Ireland (NLI) on Kildare Street in Dublin is the country's preeminent institution for the collection and preservation of written and documentary heritage. Established in 1877, it was formed from the extensive collections of the Royal Dublin Society to serve as a national archive. The magnificent Victorian building was designed by architect Thomas Newenham Deane and officially opened its doors in 1890. Its architectural highlight is the grand, domed circular reading room, which provides a majestic environment for scholars and researchers. The library's holdings exceed eight million items, including rare manuscripts, historical maps, photographs, and contemporary newspapers. It is particularly renowned for its literary archives, housing the world's most significant collection of W.B. Yeats's papers and materials related to James Joyce. As a legal deposit library, it receives a copy of every work published in Ireland, ensuring a comprehensive national record. The NLI is also a primary center for genealogical research, helping individuals trace their Irish ancestry through extensive records. Regular public exhibitions showcase the depth of its collections to visitors from around the world.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street · National Museum of Ireland, Natural History · Wolfe Tone
- Nearby: Monkstown (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 70 | 70 | 61 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 91 | 76 | 102 | 106 | 97 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The National Library of Ireland is a public building open to visitors. The reading room is available for research, and there are public exhibitions.
Typical hours
The library is typically open Monday to Saturday, with reduced hours on Saturday. Sundays are usually closed; check the website for current times.
Photography
Photography is allowed in public areas without flash. Restrictions may apply in the reading room and special exhibitions; inquire on site.
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to one hour for the exhibitions. For more extensive research in the reading room, the stay can be longer.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the National Museum of Ireland and Trinity College Dublin. These are all in the city centre and walkable.
Getting there
The library is located on Kildare Street in central Dublin. Easily reached by bus, DART, or on foot; nearest LUAS stop is St Stephen's Green.
Insider tip
Visit the exhibition on Ireland's literary heritage on the ground floor. Register online in advance for the reading room if you wish to research.
Geography
Facts
- The National Library was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1877.
- The building was designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and opened in 1890.
- It houses over 8 million items, including 1 million photographs.
- The library holds the world's largest collection of W.B. Yeats's manuscripts.
- The circular reading room is a notable example of Victorian architecture.
- It offers free genealogical advisory services to the general public.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town National Library of Ireland (10)
National Library of Ireland
Heritage institution in Dublin, Ireland.
Jorgensen Fine Art Gallery
Gallery in Dublin, Ireland.
The Mansion House
Building in Dublin, Ireland.
Statue of Surgeon-Major Parke
Monument in Dublin, Ireland.
The Little Museum of Dublin🏛 museum
Local history museum in Dublin, Ireland.
Royal Irish Academy
Academy of sciences in Dublin, Ireland.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the National Library of Ireland located?
It is located on Kildare Street in Dublin, right next to the National Museum.
Is there an admission fee for the National Library?
Entry to the exhibitions and the reading room is free.
Can anyone read in the reading room?
A reader's ticket, which can be applied for on-site, is required to access the collections in the reading room.
What is the most famous exhibition?
The library hosts a permanent interactive exhibition on the life and work of W.B. Yeats.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography without flash is usually allowed in the exhibition areas but prohibited in the main reading room.
National Library of Ireland: where is it located?
National Library of Ireland is located in Ireland.
National Library of Ireland: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, National Museum of Ireland, Natural History, Wolfe Tone.
National Library of Ireland: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National Library of Ireland: why is it worth visiting?
The National Library of Ireland (NLI) on Kildare Street in Dublin is the country's preeminent institution for the collection and preservation of written and documentary heritage.
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