Dublin Libraries

Chester Beatty Library and Gallery of Oriental Art Top Attraction

Until recently this library was located in Ballsbridge. The library was bequeathed to the Irish nation in 1956. This collection of books contains approximately 22,000 manuscripts, rare books, miniature paintings, and objects from Western, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern cultures. Highlights include copies of the Koran, Islamic manuscripts and biblical papyrus dating from the early 2nd and 4th centuries A.D.

Location: Stable Yard, Dublin castle, off Dame Street.
Opening hours: 10am-5pm Tues-Fri; 2pm-5pm Sat; tours on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
Admission: Free

National Library Top Attraction

Opened in 1890 to house the collection of the Royal Dublin Society, this library contains a vast collection of books, manuscripts, records, photographs and maps. If you want to trace your family tree go to the Heraldic Museum in the Genealogical Office a few doors down at Nos. 2 and 3 Kildare Street. You can also check any Irish newspaper ever.

Location: Kildare Street, left of Dáil Éireann.
Opening Hours: January-November: Monday 10am-9pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2-9pm, Thursday and Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 1am-1pm.
Admission: Free.

Marsh’s Library

Founded in 1701 and the oldest public library in Ireland with books (more than 25,000) on theology, medicine, ancient history, law, science, maps, Hebrew, Syrian, Greek, Latin, and French literature dating back to 1472.

Location: St. Patrick's Close, Upper Kevin Street, Dublin 8.
Opening Hours: Monday and Wednesday-Friday, 10am-12:45pm & 2pm-5pm; Saturday10:30am-12:45pm.
Admission: Free, but a donation (€1.50 - €2.50) expected.
Telephone: (01)-4543511

Central Library of Dublin

Housed on the upper floor of the ILAC shopping complex, this is the keystone of Dublin's library system, with a variety of cultural and leisure services as well as books of all descriptions. Some of the facilities offered include Irish and foreign newspapers, journals, and magazines; trade and telephone directories from around the world; children's library; language centre; video viewing room; and business information services.

Location: Henry street., Dublin 1.
Admission: Free.

Central Catholic Library

Location: 74 Merrion Square

Alliance Française

This is a French cultural centre connected to the French embassy.

Location: Kildare Street.

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