National Library of Ireland, Reference library in central Dublin, Ireland
The National Library of Ireland is a research institution in central Dublin housing over eight million items including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and digital resources. The facilities allow visitors to access extensive material covering Irish history, literature, and genealogy alongside international collections.
The institution was founded in 1877 when the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act transferred collections from the Royal Dublin Society for public access. This origin shaped its focus on building comprehensive Irish documentation and research materials.
The library houses manuscripts and first editions from Irish writers, preserving records that shape how people understand their literary heritage and family roots. Visitors encounter these materials directly, making the connection between personal and national identity tangible through the collections.
Visitors need a free Reader's Ticket to enter the reading rooms, which have extended hours early in the week and shorter hours later. Plan your visit around the opening schedule to make the most of your research time.
Since 1927, the library has held legal deposit rights, receiving every newly published work relating to Ireland automatically. This makes it the most complete archive of Irish publications, a collection that continues to expand daily.
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