54.596423 -5.929466

Description

Belfast's oldest library with famous Irish and genealogy collections, housed in a listed Victorian linen building.

Founded in 1788, Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in Ireland. It is renowned for its unparalleled Irish and Local Studies Collection, ranging from comprehensive holdings of Early Belfast and Ulster printed books to the 250,000 items in the Northern Ireland Political Collection, the definitive archive of the recent 'Troubles'.

The library also boasts the Northern Ireland Theatre and Performing Arts Archive, a unique collection reflecting the rich cultural heritage.

The library's oldest book is De Anima (1490) written by the Eastern physician, Avicenna, about health and well being. It also has a first edition copy of James Joyce's Ulysses in its collection, and the first printing of the American Declaration of Independence outside of America.

The Linen Hall has an illustrious profile as a centre of cultural and creative life and offers a varied programme of events ranging from monthly exhibitions to readings and lectures.

All visitors are welcome to access the collections, and staff are always on hand to help.

Admission to the library is free, but donations from visitors are appreciated to support the library's work.

Full disabled access and facilities are available (via Fountain Street entrance). Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome.
  • 17 Donegall Square North
  • Belfast
  • Antrim
  • BT1 5GB

Top Reasons To Visit

  • Belfast's oldest fully-functioning library, established in 1788
  • Housed in stunning Victorian linen warehouse
  • Holds the definitive 'Troubles' archive with 350,000 items
  • Comprehensive Irish and Belfast collections
  • Notable genealogy collection
  • Coffee House

    The licensed Coffee House is open for light refreshments. It offers a range of specialty freshly roasted coffees, high quality sandwiches, soups, stew, salads, paninis, baked potatoes, and a range of puddings and pastries.

  • Gift Shop

    The shop at the Linen Hall stocks an impressive range of books, prints and gifts. If you are unable to visit the shop in person, you can order Linen Hall products by telephoning 028 9032 1707.

You might also like

  • Titanic Belfast
    Titanic Belfast
    Attractions

    Titanic Belfast

    2.72 KM

    Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and…

    Find Out More
  • Irish FA Tours
    Irish FA Tours
    Attractions

    Irish FA Tours

    3.25 KM

    Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…

    Find Out More
  • Crumlin Road Gaol
    Crumlin Road Gaol
    Attractions

    Crumlin Road Gaol

    1.82 KM

    The Crumlin Road Gaol is a 19th century Grade A listed jail, open to the public for tours,…

    Find Out More
  • Albert Clock
    Albert Clock
    Attractions

    Albert Clock

    0.75 KM

    The historic Albert clock is Belfast's very own leaning tower, Erected in 1865.

    Find Out More
  • Bangor Castle
    Bangor Castle
    Attractions

    Bangor Castle

    29.75 KM

    This impressive building was built in 1852 for The Hon Robert Edward Ward. It is presently home to…

    Find Out More
  • Colin Glen
    Colin Glen
    Activities

    Colin Glen

    10.05 KM

    Go Black Bull Runnin’ and 'Flyover' the Belfast Hills at Colin Glen. From Alpine coasteering to laser tag,…

    Find Out More
  • Botanic Gardens
    Botanic Gardens
    Attractions

    Botanic Gardens

    1.61 KM

    Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast's Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students…

    Find Out More
  • Dunluce Castle
    Dunluce Castle
    Attractions

    Dunluce Castle

    99.13 KM

    One of the most famous castles in Northern Ireland, and a regular feature on Game of Thrones.

    Find Out More
Ask Us
Ask Us

We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you.

Ask A Question

Ask a Question

"*" indicates required fields

Start
Choose a date
End
Choose a date
Back To Top
In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. Privacy Policy
In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
You have previously denied access to your GPS location. In order to allow access to your location, you need to update your site settings through your browser settings to allow this site access to your location.

To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
Your settings have been updated. They will take effect next time you refresh the page.
By default, all distances on the site are calculated from Belfast City Centre. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own.

If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre.

Open 'Ask a Question' window Close 'Ask a Question' window

Ask a Question

X

"*" indicates required fields

Hide this tool

Open 'Sign up for Newsletter' window Close 'Sign up for Newsletter' window

Visit Belfast Newsletter

X

Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Sign-Up

Hide this tool