National Library of Ireland
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.
Location: Dublin
Inception: 1877
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday 09:30-19:45; Thursday-Friday 09:30-16:45; Saturday 09:30-12:45
Website: https://nli.ie
GPS coordinates: 53.34111,-6.25444
Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27
Leinster House
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National Gallery of Ireland
128 m
National Museum of Ireland
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Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture
261 m
Merrion Square Park
383 m
Mansion House
240 m
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
100 m
Kildare Street Club
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Davy Byrne's pub
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National Museum of Ireland – Natural History
179 m
St. Ann's Church, Dawson Street
268 m
Campanile
413 m
Little Museum of Dublin
320 m
Huguenot cemetery, Dublin
278 m
The Rubrics
413 m
Kerlin Gallery
343 m
Toner's Pub
396 m
Museum Building
308 m
Oriel House, Westland Row
296 m
Douglas Hyde Gallery
315 m
Irish Queer Archive
0 m
State Heraldic Museum
77 m
The Ha'Penny Bridge, Dublin
36 m
The Old Library
345 m
Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith Cenotaph
72 m
Statue of William Edward Hartpole Lecky
387 m
National Library of Ireland
3 m
Reclining Connected Forms
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