Marsh's Library

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The entrance of Marsh's Library

Marsh's Library is the oldest public library in Ireland, located at St. Patrick's Close in the shadow of St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was built in 1701 for Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, to a design by the then Surveyor-General of Ireland, and is one of the few 18th century buildings in Dublin still in use for its original purpose.

Early collections were of a theological nature, from the library of Bishop Stillingfleet (1635–1699) and the collection of Elie Bouhereau (1643–1719) a physician of Huguenot origin from La Rochelle who was first Librarian. The Library today contains more than 25000 books, relating chiefly to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and in fields such as science, theology, travel and navigation, law, mathematics, music, medicine and classical literature. There are 80 books from before 1501.

The Library, which is a charity, was formally incorporated in 1707 by Parliament, which vested the house and books in a body known as the Governors and Guardians of the Library, comprising religious and state dignitaries and officials, and their successors still over see it. The head of the Library is the Keeper.

The Library, which is readily accessible, is open to the public (for a small fee), and to scholars and students (advance arrangements required, no charge). It is located at St. Patrick's Close, and features the original shelving, seating and security fittings.