
Best Bookstores & Libraries in Dublin, Ireland
1. The Long Room at Trinity College Library
Home to the Book of Kells and over 200,000 ancient manuscripts. A must-see for literature lovers.
- Ancient Manuscripts: Explore centuries-old documents that are not found elsewhere.
- Guided Tours: Learn about the history and significance of the Long Room during a guided tour.
- Unique Architecture: Marvel at the intricate marble carvings, stained glass windows, and long wooden shelves filled with books.
2. Marsh's Library
A hidden gem dating back to the 1700s, boasting an impressive collection of early printed books and manuscripts.
- Historic Architecture: Admire the baroque interior design and see how it's been preserved for centuries.
- Reading Rooms: Relax in one of the quiet reading rooms surrounded by historical books.
- Exhibitions: Discover temporary exhibitions showcasing rare and unique items from their collection.
3. The Dublin Writers Museum
A tribute to Ireland's literary greats such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and W.B. Yeats.
- Interactive Exhibits: Experience the lives and works of Irish writers through interactive exhibits.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the history and influence of these literary giants.
- Gift Shop: Pick up Irish literature-themed souvenirs in the museum gift shop.
4. The GPO Witness History Visitor Centre and Museum
Learn about the 1916 Easter Rising through interactive exhibits and witness accounts.
- Historical Significance: Understand the events that led to Ireland's independence.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive displays and personal accounts from the Easter Rising.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to gain insight into the rebellion's impact on Ireland.
5. The Irish Jewish Museum
Explore the history and culture of Ireland's small but significant Jewish community.
- Interactive Exhibits: Experience the rich history of Irish Jewry through interactive exhibits.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the Jewish community's contributions to Ireland.
- Community Events: Attend cultural events and lectures related to Irish Judaism.
6. The James Joyce Centre
A tribute to Ireland's literary masterpiece Ulysses, focusing on the life and works of James Joyce.
- Exhibits and Tours: Discover exhibits on Joyce's life, works, and influences.
- Events and Workshops: Attend events and workshops related to James Joyce and his works.
- Library: Browse the library for books, essays, and criticism on James Joyce.
7. The Little Museum of Dublin
A social history museum showcasing life in Dublin between 1900 and 1922.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive exhibits exploring life in early 20th-century Dublin.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about significant events and figures in Dublin's history.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Discover temporary exhibitions focusing on various aspects of Dublin's history.
8. The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Explore Ireland's rich cultural heritage through its artifacts, including prehistoric finds and medieval treasures.
- Permanent Exhibits: Discover permanent exhibitions showcasing Ireland's history and decorative arts.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Attend temporary exhibitions focusing on various aspects of Irish history and art.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to gain insight into Ireland's rich cultural heritage.
9. The National Library of Ireland
Ireland's largest library, housing millions of books, manuscripts, and maps, including the infamous James Joyce Collection.
- Research Resources: Access resources for research on Irish history, literature, and culture.
- Exhibitions: Discover exhibitions showcasing rare books, manuscripts, and other treasures from their collection.
- Reading Rooms: Use the reading rooms to browse Ireland's literary classics and historical documents.
10. The George Bernard Shaw Centre
A tribute to playwright George Bernard Shaw, featuring exhibits on his life, works, and influence.
- Exhibits and Tours: Discover exhibits on Shaw's life, works, and influences.
- Events and Workshops: Attend events and workshops related to George Bernard Shaw and his works.
- Library: Browse the library for books, essays, and criticism on George Bernard Shaw.
11. The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship & Famine Museum
Learn about the Irish Famine's history and its impact on Ireland through a replica of the Jeanie Johnson ship.
- Replica Ship Tour: Take a tour of a replica of the Jeanie Johnson, a famine-era emigrant ship.
- Exhibitions: Discover exhibitions showcasing artifacts and stories related to the Irish Famine.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the Great Irish Famine's history and impact.
12. The Dublin City Archives & Museum
A local history museum showcasing artifacts, documents, and photographs related to Dublin's past.
- Exhibitions: Discover exhibitions focusing on various aspects of Dublin's history.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about significant events and figures in Dublin's history.
- Research Resources: Access resources for research on Dublin's local history.
13. The National Wax Museum Plus
An interactive museum featuring Irish heroes, international celebrities, and famous villains in wax figures.
- Wax Figure Exhibits: Explore exhibits showcasing Irish and international historical and contemporary figures.
- Interactive Experiences: Engage in interactive experiences like a crime scene investigation or stepping into a movie scene.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the figures and exhibits on display.
14. The National Print Museum
Discover the history of printing in Ireland through demonstrations, exhibitions, and workshops.
- Demonstrations: Witness live demonstrations of traditional printing techniques.
- Exhibitions: Discover exhibitions showcasing the history and evolution of printing in Ireland.
- Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops to learn about printing techniques.
15. The Dublinia Museum
A medieval history museum that brings the Viking and Medieval periods of Dublin to life through exhibits and interactive experiences.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive exhibits exploring Dublin's Viking and Medieval history.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the lives of people in Viking and Medieval Dublin.
- Archaeological Artifacts: Discover archaeological artifacts from Dublin's Viking and Medieval periods.