Marsh’s Library
by Dr Jason McElligott, Keeper of Marsh’s Library
Founded in 1701, Marsh's Library was the first public library in Ireland. It houses almost 30,000 rare books and pamphlets as well as 300 or so volumes of manuscripts. Our holdings are primarily focused on the early-modern period, and we have particular strengths in British and continental European history, politics, literature and culture. Today, scholars come from all over the world to consult our holdings.
The beautiful interior of the library has remained unchanged for more than three centuries. We are open to the general public, and children are particularly welcome. Every year we mount a themed exhibition which draws upon the library's holdings, and every working day of the year we post an image from one of our rare books or manuscripts on Facebook and Twitter.
