Marsh's Library
Marsh's Library
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
One of Dublin's most beautiful tourist attractions. Established in 1707, Marsh's Library is a beautifully preserved library of the early Enlightenment complete with its original oak bookcases. Visitors often comment on the wonderful smell. The library contains over 25,000 rare and interesting books, and our current exhibition brings a selection of these to life for visitors.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: South City Centre
How to get there
- St. Stephen's Green • 8 min walk
- Harcourt • 10 min walk
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Restaurants
2,140 within 3 miles
Attractions
650 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
698 reviews
Excellent
486
Very good
166
Average
39
Poor
6
Terrible
1
JRMADA
United States3,375 contributions
Sep 2022
This is a lovely library and the first public library in Ireland (1707). The staff is so kind and helpful, and if you go when it first opens, you’ll have it all to yourself for a few minutes (that’s what we did). Don’t forget to ask about Johnathan Swift’s corner and Bram Stoker’s table. Here you can actually see the books up close, and I was told during my visit that a book by Sir Isaac Newton is part of their collection. However, this one is under locking key and not on display (too valuable). It is a working library, so people do get to check out the books. Non flash photography for personal use is allowed, so go, ask as many questions, and take as many non flash pics as your heart desires. You’ll get a discount on your entry fee if you buy the combo ticket (St Patrick’s cathedral and Marsh’s Library). We highly recommend it!
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A highly detailed review, we are very impressed and appreciative!
Written April 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mena
8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Marsh’s Library was a great experience for us. Even though it is quite small, there is a lot packed in there. The shelves and shelves of old books and the ladders gave me the feeling of standing in Hogwarts' library. Hidden throughout were Lego figures to find and tick off a sheet as a nice little game (very convenient for my husband to pass the time I took immersing myself into the 18th century feel and chatting with the staff). The staff was very friendly and helpful, answering all our questions and giving bonus information e.g. pointing out bullet holes in some books and book cases from the Easter Rising. Great atmosphere with the original furniture famous authors like Bram Stoker sat in while researching. Quite a few books are displayed in cases with explanations to go along with the beautiful paintings, texts etc. Even the gift shop is cute and holds various little knickknacks that make for more interesting souvenirs than the usual. The staff was helpful here as well, going above and beyond in writing down my email to send me a message when a sold out item I had my eyes on is back in stock for ordering in the online shop.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a fantastic review to receive. So glad you enjoyed your time with us. Much appreciated.
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alfie C
6 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
I was originally intending to visit St Patrick's Cathedral but this was right next door, so I thought I'd take a look. The lady at the front desk was lovely and gave an overview of the key facts before I walked through. Full of history and a perfect addition to your sightseeing schedule as it only takes 15 minutes. The €5 donation is worth it, or students go free.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for writing us a review, so glad you enjoyed the library.
Written December 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paula T
Chelsea, Canada46 contributions
Jul 2022
Interesting library on the grounds of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, but nothing special after Trinity College Library. Once inside and having seen the first intricately-carved bookshelf the rest become very repetitive. There are few outstanding books, collections, or distinguishing stories. Worth a visit if you want to extend your stay in the area of the cathedral, but boils down to two large rooms full of the same stuff.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, our space it difficult to compare with the size of the long room, perhaps a little more intimate here!
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Justin
17 contributions
Jun 2022
Not on most peoples to do list which means it's not busy and you can actually interact with the librarians. We were the only patrons in the library. If you're interested in a specific book, schedule a showing, as this is still a public library. Make sure to find the books with bullet holes and all the Lego figures.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely title of a review to get. So pleased you enjoyed your visit with us!
Written June 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lea W.
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I did a interhip in Marshs Library in summer 22' and it was amazing. The library is really a hidden germ in Dublin. For me, it's a must visit for everyone! And if you book a combi ticket - Marshs Library and St. Patricks Cathedral you get 2 times more experience and fun for a small budget. The internship was one of the best things I did, during my apprentice as a library assistant/technician.
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lea! Thank you! We were so glad to have you!
Written April 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ciyates
103 contributions
Oct 2022
I am so glad we made the time to find this hidden treasure. It is a self guided tour but they do an amazing job of setting you up for success. It is so much more than an old library it is a piece of history. Can be done in about 45 minutes so worth the time.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review!
Written April 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jackie Gould
London, UK79 contributions
Mar 2022
Very neat library and was definitely a step back in time. The staff was kind and even had a mini game to play while walking through the library. A must visit when in Dublin. Also just an FYI, there is a $5 (euro) charge to enter.
Written March 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We're glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written April 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah X
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Marsh's Library, on its face, seems like an odd place for a tourist to stop—a rather small historic library, rather niche in its appeal. Yet, this ended up being one of my favorite places in Dublin. Not only is it beautiful, but the curators kindly entertained my many questions about Latinate titles, preservation, and even Esther "Stella" Johnson (a cast of her skull resides in one of the reading rooms.) In the hustle and bustle of the city, it was a welcome view into a corner of its history.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
erikaalilian
Jönköping, Sweden17 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The staff was very welcoming and informative about the place and its history. We we’re the only visitors there which made us really being enable to enjoy this historical place in a calm setting! Would definitely recommend, is just next door to St Patrick’s Cathedral 😊
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for reviewing us, much appreciated.
Written April 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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Claim your listingMarsh's Library - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Marsh's Library
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Marsh's Library Information
Excellent Reviews | 486 |
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Very Good Reviews | 166 |
Marsh's Library Photos | 224 |