Marsh’s Library — Attraction in Dublin

Marsh's Library in Dublin, Ireland, is a literary treasure that takes you on a captivating journey through time.

Like an enchanted sanctuary nestled near the head of the Coombe, this hidden gem transports you to a bygone era, where the echoes of Anglo-Irish literary legends like Dean Swift still reverberate through its hallowed halls.

Step inside and prepare to be enchanted by the purest embodiment of the 18th century. Marsh's Library, also known as St. Sepulchre, stands as a testament to the resilience of literature and the power of preservation.

Its unassuming red brick exterior belies the wonders that lie within, as if guarding secrets of the past, waiting to be discovered.

As you step through its doors, you are transported to a world frozen in time. The interior, meticulously preserved since the days of Queen Anne, captivates with its unrivaled authenticity. Oaken benches and stained reading desks beckon you to lose yourself in the pages of literary gems, while wide-planked flooring and an arched ceiling create an ambiance that feels almost sacred.

Marvel at the carved and lettered gables, adorned with hand-painted mitres, as they whisper stories of the past.

Every detail, lovingly spared from the hand of the restorer, bears witness to the library's defiance against the erosion of time. It stands as a living testament to the unyielding spirit of literature, challenging time itself to fade its grandeur.

Within these walls lie priceless literary treasures from centuries past. Immerse yourself in the magic of the written word as you explore the collection of over 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts. Each page holds the power to transport you to distant lands, evoke forgotten emotions, and kindle the flames of imagination.

The library's impressive assortment includes 80 incunabula, rare books printed before 1501, unlocking a portal to the dawn of the printed word.

Imagine the readers who once roamed these halls, locked within cages along with the precious volumes they sought.

These barriers, designed to deter impecunious students tempted by ownership, stand as a testament to the enduring allure of knowledge and the lengths one would go to safeguard it. Marsh's

Library beckons you to embrace the privilege of exploring these literary treasures, connecting with the collective wisdom of generations past.

As you wander through the library's corridors, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.

It is a place where the past is alive, where the tangible embodiment of history surrounds you. Scholars and students continue to engage with these volumes, their eager hands turning the same pages that were touched centuries ago.

Marsh's Library is more than a repository of books; it is a portal to an era when knowledge was cherished, preserved, and shared with reverence.

Visiting Marsh's Library is an experience that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the literary tapestry of the past, to hear the whispers of long-forgotten words, and to be inspired by the legacy of those who came before us.

Like a time capsule of the written word, this enchanting sanctuary invites you to step into its embrace and embark on a journey that will leave an indelible mark...

Marsh's Library is the oldest public library in lreland having opened in 1707. It is open to the public and students are welcome to carry out research. Approximately 25,000 visitors from across the world visit this library each year. The library was designed by Sir William Robinson Architect and then Surveyor General of Ireland. It was named after the English clergyman who ordered its construction, Archbishop Narcissus Marsh who was the provost of Trinity College. The library building and its front wall and gate are protected structures. There is a courtyard garden at the front. The library under went some preservation works back in the mid 1990's. A timber preservation team which l played a small part was involved in peace meal preservation works. Part of the building fabric & book cases under went treatment. The ornate arched oak carving detail on the lettered gables of the oak book shelves is spectacular. Look out for the three wired alcoves where readers were locked away while reading priceless rare books. Famous writers such as Jonathan Swift, James Joyce & Bram Stoker would have been frequent visitors to the library. Old desks exist which it is likely they had all studied at. The craft in vintage leather book binding and its imprinting is superb on the books displayed. Credit is due to the former and only lady keeper of the library Ms Muriel McCarthy & her small librarian team, a few tradesmen plus the funding put in place by the Department of Heritage and Local Government facilitating these works. The library is maintained and kept in pristine condition thanks to the current keeper of the library. It is a...

I discovered Marsh’s Library on TikTok before our planned Dublin visit and was so glad I did! My husband & I went here right after our Trinity Tour & we loved Marsh’s more! You read that correctly! (Not to make it a competition as both libraries have their highlights, we just weren’t able to experience Trinity as intended due to the conservation project currently underway.) Marsh’s library was old book heaven. You could get much closer to the books and knowledgeable staff were everywhere waiting to answer questions & assist. It felt much more personal of a tour & we spent ample time looking around. We purchased “The Lost Library Book” by Amanda Bell (a children’s book) in the gift shop, after speaking with an employee about Marsh’s missing books. My husband and I were so inspired by this story, we half-jokingly told each other we’d love to stay in Dublin if only to peruse antique and junk shops to find other missing books. We can’t wait to read this incredible story to our little one when he arrives (I’m pregnant & we bought the book for our babe). This is a truly magical place for any book lover & I highly recommend. The entry fee is affordable & you exit the museum into the most quaint garden, that only amplifies your sense of wonder about the entire place.

(A staff member was kind enough to snap a quick photo of us with the wool sweater we got for our baby boy. This was our “gender announcement” - we had hoped to take this photo at Marsh’s before we visited & this ended up working out perfectly. Thank you for helping us share we are expecting a little boy - we hope to bring him back...