National Library of Ireland, Dublin 2

The National Library of Ireland was opened in 1890 to house the collection of the Royal Dublin Society, this library contains a vast collection of books, manuscripts, records, photographs and maps. If you want to trace your family tree go to the Heraldic Museum in the Genealogica Office.

Exploring Ireland's literary heritage, visiting award winning exhibitions or researching family history are just some of the many reasons to visit the National Library of Ireland. Established in 1877, the National Library's holdings of books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, maps, photographs, newspapers, music, ephemera and genealogical material comprise the most outstanding collection of Irish documentary heritage in the world.

The Library's new exhibition Discover your National Library : Explore, Reflect and connect with showcases some of the wonderful items from the collection, including rare manuscripts, maps, photographs and ephemeral items.

The National Library recognises the importance of developing the digital collections, services and infrastructure necessary to support the creation and management of a significant digital library. We aim to maximise access to our resources, enhance and expand the services we offer, and enable our users to work with us, and our collections, in new and innovative ways.

 

Explore the poetry and legacy of Ireland's greatest poet in the award winning exhibition Yeats: the life and works of William Butler Yeats. Children aged 7+ can pick up a My Yeats trail guide and can find out more about Yeats, his family and his friends.