Explore the National Library of Ireland

Discover it all at the National Library of Ireland

The National Library of Ireland (NLI) is a must-visit cultural institution for any visitors to Dublin who are interested in exploring their family tree and finding out more about Ireland’s rich history.

Visitors can enjoy lively events and exhibitions, consult the collections, and avail of free genealogy advice. Particular highlights at the main library building on Kildare Street are the NLI’s award-winning Yeats exhibition and magnificent Victorian reading room.

Visit the Library’s major Seamus Heaney exhibition which celebrates the life and works of one of Ireland’s finest poets at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, Westmoreland Street.

The NLI’s National Photographic Archive is located at Meeting House Square, Temple Bar and hosts a range of photographic exhibitions throughout the year.

All locations are FREE to visit and within a short walking distance of the Grafton Street shopping area.

Highlights

Lively programme of exhibitions and events for all ages, the majority of which are FREE
Award-winning Yeats exhibition
Seamus Heaney Exhibition ‘Listen Now Again’
Free genealogy advisory service
Magnificent reading room (accessible with free Reader’s Ticket)
Free wi-fi for members

Open

Open Daily Year Round

See the website for up-to-date opening times.

Prices

Admission Prices

FREE Admission

Useful Information

Check out the range of facilities, services, accessibility, and other useful information.

LANGUAGES: Leaflets are available, free, in Irish and English.

PARKING: There is public parking at Setana Place, Molesworth Street, approx 2 minutes walk from the National Library of Ireland

ACCESSIBILITY: for Wheelchair Users and Visitors with Reduced Mobility. Most of the National Library is accessible to wheelchair users, in some cases via the lift. There are steps up to the room housing the genealogy advisory service. There are accessible toilets. To assist readers with hearing difficulties, hearing loops are available. Assistance dogs may be brought into all public areas of the Library. Further information on accessibility is available by emailing
info@nli.ie

GROUPS: Group tours available (free). Pre-booking required.

SCHOOL / EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES: The collections of the National Library constitute a unique learning resource for students of all aspects of Irish history and culture. They have devised a broad educational programme to maximise this potential, providing a wide range of services for primary, post-primary, third level students, lifelong learners and educators. For all enquiries contact learning@nli.ie

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in the reading rooms to registered readers.

Getting There

The National Library of Ireland’s main building is located at 7-8 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, beside the Dáil. The Library has a further exhibition space at 3 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 and The National Photographic Archive is located at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, Dublin 2.

All are within a short walking distance of the Grafton Street shopping area and St. Stephens Green. All locations are well serviced by public transport (bus, Luas and Dart).

Map Location: 53.341098, -6.254482

Contact National Library of Ireland

Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Eircode: D02 P638
T: +353(0)1 603 0200
W: www.nli.ie

Shopping in Dublin

Riverdance @ The Gaiety Theatre Dublin