Overview

The Marsh Library is a hidden gem, a beautiful historic library with hidden courtyard garden, where you can sit and enjoy the flowers, shrubs and trees. An eighteenth century library which retains its original features including bookcases and seating. Originally opening to the public in 1707. Today it remains a working library with a reading room on the ground floor, but it also opens its first floor galleries to visitors. Please be aware that unfortunately the library and garden are not step free. I walk with a crutch and I took my time, and found the steps manageable.

Transport & Parking

The Marsh Library is next door to St Patrick's Cathedral, and a few buses (all of which have a front boarding ramp) stop close by. The tourist hop-on hop-off bus stops close by.

Access

ENTRANCE There is a gated entrance with its door left open when the library is open. There are then 17 outside steps leading up to the front door. There is a handrail on the left hand side as you walk up and midway there is a wider step which was a good point for me to stand and rest on before I continue. At the top, to the right of the front door is a short path leading to a white door, this leads into the garden, reading room, shop and accessible toilet. Directly in front at the top of the outside staircase is a single step to the front door, which was wide open. Once inside there are 3 steps without any handrail. Visitors then ascend an inside staircase of 22 steps. There is a handrail on the left hand side as you walk up and midway there is a landing. 1ST FLOOR LIBRARY ROOMS On reaching the first floor, you will be welcomed by a member of staff. The library itself is all on the one level and there is seating in the second and final room. The first and third rooms are long rooms with rows of bookshelves. In the second room there are free standing tables and chairs. In the fourth room there are the cages, where readers were once locked in to prevent them stealing the books. Currently they have an exhibition on called Gutenberg’s Cradle, which has a collection of oldest printed books in the world. It's fascinating. Once you have completed your visit, you can exit via a spiral staircase or you can retrace your steps and go back down the stairs you originally came up. GROUND FLOOR AND GARDEN If you go down the spiral staircase, you will come out into the shop and it will lead through to the garden. Alternatively , if you retrace your steps, exit the building and take the path on your left, through the white door into the garden.

Toilets

The accessible toilet is on the ground floor. It has a manual door. Plenty of grab rails and left hand transfer. There is an emergency cord that reaches to the floor. The bathroom is rectangular and of average accessible size. It is clean, tidy and well maintained. It also smelt nice when I walked in.

Staff

Staff were amazing and so friendly and helpful. When I arrived I mentioned about the steps and that their website only said not suitable for wheelchair users. I spoke with them about access, which they had discussed earlier in the day in their team meeting, and the member of staff took notes. Later on in my visit the manager introduced herself to me, apologies I have forgotten the member of staff's names. She informed me that they were already updating the access information on their website. I've come back from my holiday and the update is live. Thank you all for actively listening and doing this.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I loved my visit. The library is impressive, but also intimate which makes it feel very special. The garden was lovely to sit out on and just relax. This was my favourite thing I did in Dublin. I would happily return here. They are some Lego figures dotted around to spot and the have other family friendly activities. The day after I went to Trinity College Library to see the Long Room and Book of Kells. While the Long Room is impressive it is missing its books at present (August 2024) while they are preserving them. Therefore, if you are wanting somewhere special, somewhere easy to travel to but not on the main tourist drag and see something wonderful and unique, I can't recommend the Marsh Library enough. Thank you.

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