Marsh’s Library
One thing most people know about me is that I love the library so when I had a free afternoon recently, I headed for Marsh’s Library. Marsh’s Library houses important collections of European books and manuscripts from the 15th to 18th centuries. When it first opened in 1707 it was the first public library in Ireland. The interior of Marsh’s Library has remained largely unchanged since that time. For over 300 years, visitors have come from all over to admire the charming architecture and cozy atmosphere.
The books in the library are housed in two galleries that are joined together by a small reading room. The First Gallery houses 10,000 books which belonged to a prominent English clergyman in the late 17th century, Edward Stillingfleet. History, classical studies, law, politics and science heavily covered in this collection. Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, the found of the library, bought these books for £2500, which was a massive amount of money at the time.
First Gallery
Some of the bays in the First Galley
I found it amazing that these books are in the same position on the shelves that they were placed centuries ago. Each bay represents a different subject. The heavier books are housed on the lower shelves, while the small books are on the higher shelves and tend to be more topical or conversational works.
Past the First Gallery is the Old Reading Room. Bram Stoker and James Joyce have sat in the very chairs in this room. Today readers consult books and manuscripts in a secure reading room downstairs in the library. The books in the Old Reading Room belonged to Elia Bouhéreau, the first Keeper of Marsh’s Library. Bouhéreau was a Huguenot who fled religious persecution in France in 1686.
The Second Gallery, while gorgeous, is less striking than the First Gallery. The ceilings are not vaulted and the bays are less generous. The north-facing orientation of the gallery means it is always several degrees colder than the rest of the library. This temperature drop probably explains the persistent stories of ghosts in the library!
Second Gallery
One of my favorite parts of the library was the lockable cages at the end of the Second Gallery. These cages were designed to prevent readers from stealing the books!
When I visited the current exhibition was ‘Liked & Shared’ which displayed items from the library’s most ‘liked’ social media posts. The exhibition explores whether internet success can translate into real life. You will have to go and see for yourself but I thought it did! I found the exhibition to be a thoughtful way to connect the history of the library with the modernity of social media. If you can’t physically make it into Marsh’s Library, they also have a wide variety of Online Exhibitions you can explore here.
Marsh’s Library is open to visitors, including children. You can book your ticket in advance or pay on the day. I did not book in advance and was able to easily get a ticket. Tickets for adults are €5, and €3 for seniors/students. Under 18s get are eligible to visit at no cost. The public galleries of the library are not wheelchair accessible. Staff will assist with lifting strollers/buggies if you ring them on 01 4543511.
Marsh’s Library doesn’t take too long to get through so I would recommend also visiting Saint Patrick’s Cathedral while in the area. For €11 you can visit both the Cathedral and the library with the joint ticket. This can be done on the same day or whenever you choose.
Marsh’s Library is open Tuesday – Friday from 9:30am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm.
Marsh’s Library, St Patrick’s Close, Dublin D08 FK59, Ireland