National Library of Ireland, Dublin

Established in 1890 on Kildare Street, the National Library stands as a dignified counterpart to the adjacent National Museum, sharing Leinster House's prestigious courtyard. Beyond its grand facade lies a haven for literary enthusiasts, offering a wealth of resources and immersive exhibitions.

Step into the lower ground floor's stunning, high-tech space, where long-term exhibitions – like the captivating showcase on W.B. Yeats – captivate visitors with their blend of history and innovation. Ascend to the first floor's hushed Reading Room, adorned with ornate bookcases and a charmingly playful frieze of cherubs, immortalized in Joyce's "Ulysses".

For those delving into their family roots, the Genealogy Room provides invaluable assistance from knowledgeable staff, guiding researchers through the labyrinth of records in Dublin and beyond, including Belfast.

Why You Should Visit:
Students of literature should be very impressed by the substantial multimedia exhibition on W.B. Yeats, those with a research agenda should find their needs met quite readily by the attentive staff, and those interested in just seeing an impressive example of architecture should also be quite satisfied.

Tip:
No drinks allowed inside, but a coffee shop and spacious, pristine bathrooms await on the lower ground floor.