The Bar Council & Bar Library of Northern Ireland, Belfast

The Bar Council & Bar Library of Northern Ireland is a hidden architectural gem bordering the Royal Courts of Justice. Although the premises are not open to the general public, visitors can admire its striking modernist design from the outside. Conceived by Robinson McIlwaine in the late 1990s, the building elegantly fuses traditional Portland stone and brick with expansive glass panels-creating an eye-catching presence that complements the adjacent neo‑classical courthouse.

Inside, this purpose-built headquarters was designed to accommodate 400 barristers and to support the Bar Council’s dual mandate of advocacy and regulation for Northern Ireland’s legal community. A stunning central atrium acts as the building's heart, bathing internal spaces in natural light and showcasing refined materials, such as American red cherry wood and etched glass, which reflect the judiciary’s heritage and its forward-looking mission.

Although access is restricted, the Bar Library plays a central role in Belfast’s civic landscape. It serves more than 600 self‑employed barristers under the “cab‑rank” principle, ensuring equal access to legal representation. Not merely a social hub, it offers state‑of‑the‑art research services, housing over 60,000 titles and award‑winning digital resources-including LexisNexis, Westlaw UK, and its own OLIB database-earning accolades like the LexisLibrary Award in both 2016 and 2019.

For curious tourists, the Bar Council & Bar Library presents more than just a façade; it is a monument to the rule of law, professional excellence, and modern design. Nearby, one can further explore Belfast’s legal quarter, including the imposing Royal Courts and nearby cultural landmarks-a perfect snapshot of the city’s fusion of historic gravitas and contemporary ambition.