Lonely Planet advised us that people who go to Christchurch Cathedral and skip this nearby library are mad and don't deserve a holiday. That's a little harsh, but I understand the sentiment! This is a lovely experience; the docents are old Irish gentlemen who love the collection and are happy to chat with their few visitors. It's free, and there...
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Marsh's Library, Dublin
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Marsh's Library
St. Patrick's Close | Upper Kevin St., Dublin 2, Ireland
(South City Centre)
01-454-3511
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11 visitor photos
Ranked #19 of 227 attractions in Dublin
Type: Libraries, Historic Sites
Owner description:
One of Dublin's most beautiful tourist attractions. An unspoiled gem right in the heart of the city. Founded in 1701, Marsh's Library was the first...
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Owner description:
One of Dublin's most beautiful tourist attractions. An unspoiled gem right in the heart of the city. Founded in 1701, Marsh's Library was the first public library in Ireland. It is a beautiful Queen Anne-style building complete with the original oak bookcases. Visitors often comment on the wonderful smell of the old bookcases and books.The library contains over 25,000 rare and interesting books relating to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, covering medicine, law, science, travel, navigation, mathematics, music, and classical literature. There is also some material of a very scurrilous nature. Every year an exhibition of rare and curious items is presented from the holdings of the Library. The current exhibtion (2011) is on medicine and medical knowledge, and the exhibition from June 2012 to June 2013 will be on the development of science.
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Tokyo, Japan
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See 13 more reviews by ideheights for Dublin
Bavaria
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Puts you back in time. Very worthwhile to visit!! It is situated right next to St. Patricks cathedral. I have been to many libraries but this one is very special.
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Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Contributor
Although not big, this old library really takes you back in time. While walking past the old book shelves with maybe even older books and the ladders used to reach the top shelves, you can imagine what life was like when all men wore wigs, and long before smartphones were born.
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See 4 more reviews by MissDiZz for Dublin
Dublin
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This is an amazing place to visit, but its really off the tourist path in Dublin. I think most of the reviews here give a good idea of the benefits of visiting.
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See 2 more reviews by DublinRobert for Dublin
Canonsburg, Pa
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Just happened to see a sign for Marsh's Library when visiting St Patrick's Cathedral next door. Marsh's Library was the first public library in Ireland (1701) and well worth taking a moment to visit and see. Just to see the books on display made the visit great.
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See 6 more reviews by Richard J for Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Top Contributor
Marsh's Library is a rarity -- it is still almost the same as when it was when it was first set up about 200 years ago. There are many gems to be seen here and for anyone who is interested in literature this is a must. It is also near St Patrick's Cath so it is well worth visiting this...
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See 14 more reviews by wayfarer27 for Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Top Contributor
They charge admission but do not seem to offer a tour or any leaflet.Without knowing what you are looking for you might as well be in an antique bookshop. No photos allowed.
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See 9 more reviews by Ronan O for Dublin
Jason M, Education/Outreach at Marsh's Library, responded to this review
May 1, 2013
Sorry to hear you didn't get one of our leaflets, as this is one of the first things you are offered as you are met at the door. We have information on the library in 33 languages. The men who welcome you, will always offer you some information on the library and will answer any questions you may have. We...
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Maine
Senior Contributor
It's right next to St. Patrick's and definitely worth a visit. Gorgeous old building with beautiful books and a staff who seemed happy to see us. We got the feeling they don't get many visitors. There are bookmarks and kids get to try their hand with ink and quill to decorate them. This visit is 20 minutes tops.
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See 2 more reviews by CindyMaine for Dublin
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Contributor
Fantastic gem hidden away behind St. Patrick's Cathedral. Well worth a visit, see the cages where they used to lock scholars in with the books (in case they tried to steal them). Always some interesting themed exhibition going on. Really special place for the discerning scholar or tourist.
Very small fee to enter, would recommend giving more as a donation...
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Wales
Senior Contributor
The library hosted a series of talks this weekend, and although I saw little of the library it certainly looks interesting. Sadly many of the books look like they have seen better days
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