Dublin’s Most Romantic Libraries
As a world famous literary city Dublin has some of the most beautiful and romantic libraries. These oft forgotten spaces have been a source of knowledge and an oasis of calm for the Irish public for over a century.
With so many to choose from I’ve picked out my top 3 best libraries in Dublin selected for their all round romantic and historical loveliness. I hope it will inspire you to visit the unique atmosphere of these libraries or hide-away for an afternoon, to read, research and dream.
The National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
The National Library is quite simply one of the most beautiful public spaces in Dublin. And the important word here is public, it isn’t a bank or government building it is a place that all can use. Open since 1890 it was designed by Messrs Beckett of Ringsend with the direction of the first librarian William Archer. Mr. Archer had a great vision for the space and careful attention to detail was given to the design of the building with particular attention on usability for readers- so much so he went so far as to make sure there was a hat rack installed underneath each chair (useful if you are sporting a straw-boater like one of the gentlemen or lady readers in the picture above).
Upon entering the gates to the Library curved Neo-Classic architecture greets you with a series of Roman Doric columns. The main entrance of the Library is decorated with mosaics in green, blue, grey and gold. The owl and symbol of the library is repeated in mosaics as is the motto sapienta– meaning wisdom. Which I guess is saying cross this threshold and wisdom will be yours!
The piece de resistance of the National Library is the the magnificent oak reading room and spectacular white and turquoise ceiling, so beautiful, in fact, is this room it is often difficult to concentrate on your books and not the atmosphere. If you become a reader of this library you will get your very own desk complete with green reading light, chair with hat-rack and as many books as you fancy to read in an afternoon.
Marsh’s Library, St Patrick’s Close, Dublin
Archbishop Marsh’s library tucked behind St Patrick’s Cathedral opened in 1707 and was Ireland’s first public library. An arched doorway with Marsh’s Library in ironwork leads you from the street up a stone staircase and to the Library itself. Upon entering you will be greeted by a unique musty smell- the smell of knowledge me-thinks. The first gallery houses over 10,000 books ranging from law, politics, classical studies, and science. Bram Stoker read here in 1866 and James Joyce in 1922. The gallery is laid out in the exact position it was 300 years ago and it still can be used for research purposes, the seats are the very same that Bram and James sat on to ponder their pieces of literature.
Rathmines Library, 157 Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6.
The Rathmines Library is not normally on the tourist trail but has been part of a vibrant Dublin community for over 100 years. In fact, it is celebrating its centenary this month with a series of events as it opened on October 24th 1913. I have added it to my list because it has quite a special ambiance, it has its unique architectural features and yet is still a working library in the heart of a community. Many have come come through its doors, written books and studied for Leaving Cert exams in its mahogany rooms. W.B. Yeats gave a talk on his work on 24 February 1926, while campaigner and academic Hannah Sheehy Skeffington gave a talk in 1931 and Douglas Hyde gave a talk in 1928 on Irish folklore. The main claim to fame is the fact that it was funded by Andrew Carnegie- the patron saint of Libraries some might say and the same man connected with Carnegie Hall in New York City.
