National Library of Ireland

About this place

The National Library of Ireland (NLI; Irish: Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann) is Ireland's national library located in Dublin, in a building designed by Thomas Newenham Deane. The mission of the National Library of Ireland is "To collect, preserve, promote and make accessible the documentary and intellectual record of the life of Ireland and to contribute to the provision of access to the larger universe of recorded knowledge." The library is a reference library and, as such, does not lend. It has a large quantity of Irish and Irish-related material which can be consulted without charge; this includes books, maps, manuscripts, music, newspapers, periodicals and photographs. Included in its collections are materials issued by private as well as government publishers. Among the library's major holdings are an archive of Irish newspapers and collections donated by individual authors or their estates. The library is also the ISSN National Centre for Ireland. The office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, the National Photographic Archive and the Museum of Literature Ireland are functions of the library, the latter in partnership with University College Dublin. The library also holds exhibitions, and provides a number of other services including genealogy research tools and support. The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport is the member of the Government of Ireland responsible for the library. The main library building is on Kildare Street, adjacent to Leinster House and the archaeology section of the National Museum of Ireland.

Visitor Information

Opening hours

Mo-We 09:30-19:45; Th-Fr 09:30-16:45; Sa 09:30-12:45

Accessibility

Accessible

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

National Library of Ireland is located in County Dublin, roughly 1 km (5 min drive) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 28 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology (0.1 km away).