Retirement of Harry Carson as a Governor and Guardian
Lonely Planet Travel Guide UK Top 500
We were invited by member of the Northern Armagh Family History Society to join them for an evening tour of the Robinson Library. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Tripadvisor May 2019
This is a must visit if in the area, (and worth going out of area to see). Of all of the places we went (and we went everywhere), this was the most unexpected delight. Staff went above and beyond to help us quench our cultural curiosity and even sourced original census documents from the 1,700’s! Now I understand why there are so many 5 star reviews. A must see!
Tripadvisor July 2019
Everything about the library is wonderful. The discrete approach, the fine door, wonderful stair and warm welcome. The C18th books and original reference system (+ others too) would have made such a good foundation for Robinson's proposed university. It even has some of Robinson's furniture, like the building designed by Thomas Cooley, all of the highest quality.
Why is this amazing library not better known?*****
As other reviewers have rightly said, friendly and helpful staff, a building worth visiting (even if it was empty ) and a terrific collection of world class books and manuscripts which we were allowed to peruse wearing gloves. What a privilege to see a Gulliver's Travels hand annotated and corrected by Swift and handle (!) an early edition of the Messiah whose print was so clear and legible an organist could play from it now. There is excellent provision for children's activities too so not at all stuffy despite all the treasures it holds. An amazing resource for Armagh .
The library really is a place everyone should visit. The staff are friendly and willing to help. It's a haven of knowledge and full of old maps and books.
Was in here not so long ago with my dad looking at all the books. Each and every book had something magic about it from original William Shakespeare's books to first editions of Gullivers Travels and that's only to name a few. A magic place with great staff and tons of great and fascinating books.
Everyone who goes to Ireland knows about the Long Room at Trinity College, far fewer have heard about this library. It has books which are older than those held by Trinity and significant and special publications, amongst which are a first edition Gulliver's Travels and an early edition of Handel's 'Messiah'. The Library has thematic exhibitions, when we visited it was displaying books on mathematics, Isaac Newton's 'Principia Mathematica' etc, and some collections of items other than books, flints, Bronze Age weapons, etc. This is a working library, if you have an issue to research, especially of a genealogical nature, they may be able to help. Do your research first so you know what questions to ask when you walk in the door. The building by itself is beautiful, the librarian was enthusiastic and helpful., entry is free but please leave a donation to help keep this place going. While you are in the area, check out 5 Vicars Hill and the Cathedral. Allow a couple of hours.
This is quite simply one of the best and most interesting libraries I have ever visited, much more accessible and easier to get to than say, Trinity's old library with its crowds and the fact that it's harder to look closely at the books and also Marsh's library is very much hidden away in Dublin city centre. It seems there are remarkably (and lamentably few) old libraries of this kind in many parts of Europe and the world
Huge and remarkable collection of centuries old rare leather bound books in fields such as history, philosophy, theology, travel and science which includes a first edition Gulliver's Travel and a very old bible dating from the 15th century. Also wonderful character of old books and centuries of scholarship. The staff were extremely welcoming to visitors to view the collections but unable to view the second floor collections. Admission was free with a donation (very happy to do so). Overall, probably best attraction in Armagh especially if you love books and reading.
"It was absolutely amazing to visit this library! The librarian was very helpful and nice. She brought me the book with one of Handel's manuscripts for "The Messiah" and also pointed and explained about Jonathan Swift's The Gulliver Travels's first edition!"
"We visited here with an American tour group and got a personalized introduction from the librarians. The groups was very impressed with the facility and the enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff. I believe the admission is pretty modest and they will help you find things that may be if interest. They had an atlas of North America from 1790 open for us and let us look through it (with gloves on of course). Nice stop if you are in town."
Some of the comments:
Some of the comments:
Don't be put off by the fact that you have to press a buzzer to gain entry, as you will be rewarded by the old wooded staircase up to the gallery lined with beautiful and rare books. The Library dates back to 1773 - and although it sounds like a lending library it isn't! Really worth a visit. Its free - but they really need donations. I think they will open on Saturdays this summer which will be brilliant as then I can bring my friends back!!
***
Beautiful old books
This is a research library, not a lending library. You have to ring the bell to be admitted and the hours open are somewhat limited. The building itself is interesting and there are some very beautiful old books in display cases, such as Jonathan Swift. Well worth a few minutes if you are a book-lover.
***
Ring the bell at the street door to gain access to this library - stairs will take you up - there is a chair lift attached to the stairs if required - the staff were most helpful in my quest for ancestry information - but there are plenty of very old books to peruse or interesting cabinet displays to browse.
***
Visited this library while on a short break in Armagh. Had our 9 year old daughter with us and we were initially a little concerned as we rang the bell that it was not the place to bring her! The lady inside was so welcoming and helpful. There were 2 treasure hunt trails for her to complete while we explored the library. Glad we visited.
***
The oldest library! So many fantastic books, and the librarian is the most knowledgeable lady ever! I even had the privilege to hold in my hands the actual drawings of the architect who had designed it! Everyone should visit this place!
***
Called in today on a whim while visiting a friend from Armagh and was greeted with the warmest of welcomes. This library is wonderful with so many secrets just waiting to be discovered. I could have spent all day here.
A building which sets the city in context
Set in a beautiful row of traditionally 'Armagh' houses, this homely museum really allows the option of learning. Stephen is truly a wonderful guide and never fails to reach out to an audience! I cannot stress how much this museum reaches out to every age range, with its interactive facilities or its reading options upon the walls. You can go into whatever level of learning you yearn for, whether it's a 'quick sweep' or a detailed session, this museum can tailor to your needs and enable you to set Armagh in its true context.
+++
We were the first visitors today and Stephen gave us space to have a tour max or just wander round with some added information. He is a very knowledgeable person about the context of this complex but fascinating city and it's people should you wish to learn more and the refurbishment is impeccable. Any thirst or hunger you work up can be assuaged next door at 4 Vicars with their amazing scones and teas.
No 5 Vicar's Hill is a lovely museum, carefully restored building, good exhibits, and we had an excellent helpful tour by the guide based there.
Some of the comments:
Some of the comments:
Some of the comments:
Some of the comments:
Some of the comments:
Some of the comments:
Beautiful building and interesting history
Wonderful tour!
Execllent, needs another visit
A great space, great resource, excellent staff. Well worth visit
Some of the comments:
Excellent, very interesting
Really enjoyed learning about local history
Grateful!
Must come back again
Excelent, well laid out and informative
Amazing experience
Thank you for another great visit. Lots of discussion!
Children loved Lawrence and the letter writing. Thank you! [Georgian Day]
Very inspiring, great characters! [Georgian Day]
Very friendly and helpful staff
Very informative. Beautiful building
Very interesting visit. I enjoyed it!
Very interesting and lovely staff
Excellent
Some of the comments:
Some of the comments:
Excellent explanation
Brilliant
Fabulous
Excellent tour guide!
Fantastic coin collection - many thanks!
Merci pour cette belle exposition
Very enjoyable
Stephen was great. Such a lot of interesting info.
A return visit to hear all this interesting information
Wonderful collection
Certainly worth seeing
Very worthwhile visit
Stephen is lovely and very informative. Zena is delightful
Lovely building
Beautiful museum
Gorgeous!
Extremely interesting and friendly. Thank you
Fascinating history and displays
Brilliant place
Fascinating and evocative
A gem
Lovely music
A beautiful venue
Thanks so much. Lovely building and such a great tour given by Stephen Day
Very interesting and enthousiastically maintained
Thanks for great morning
Thank you for the great tour
Exciting
Beautifully presented
Some of the comments:
Wonderful information and beautifully laid out
Lovely
Superb. Well collection presented
Thanks to everyone who showed us around
Lovely building. Very interesting and welcoming
Lovely place
Fascinating afternoon's visit
Nice welcome. Great intro, interesting content
Brilliant tour!
Beautiful coins
Quite fine
Great tour! So interesting - a lovely place
Stunning views
Amazing
Will be back
Some of the comments:
Lovely building & amazing coin collection
Very good!
Beautiful building and great tour. Thanks
Interesting and well done
Very good information
Beautiful records
Beautiful - a gem!
Incredible!
Really interesting & enjoyable. Lovely building
Fascinating
Lovely building
Impressive in absorbing history!
A very nice visit
Grand!
Informative, fun and thoroughly enjoyable
Fascinating. A classic cabinet of curiosities. Great insight into th era
Great to see building so well maintained
Well organised and presented
Very nice people
Great guided tour!
Some of the comments:
Thank you for an interesting time
Very nice to see renovated
Thank you for the tour- very informative
Magnificent
Great place, great guide
Gorgeous
Great craic!
Super!
Excellent. Stephen brings it all to life for pupils.
Excellent. Another visit in the future
Really interesting - a little goldmine!
Great blessing
Excellent, thank you!
Some of the comments:
Most informative
Very interesting
A pleasure to visit
Thoroughly enjoyable
Unique and well presented
Super exhibit
Really interesting, thank you!
It was great to visit you and we enjoyed staying here
Very interesting and enjoyable visit. Thank you
A lovely surprise!
An absolute joy to find
Lovely building. Helpful tour guide
Great history
Fascinating visit
The kids loved it!
Very interesting and educational
A hidden gem!
Would like to spend more time here
Best part of the day
Brilliant museum!
Excellent. Coming back!
Some of the comments:
Wonderful!
Hidden gem
Excellent
Educational
Fun quiz
A local gem
Very good
Thank you for your hospitality
Fascinating local history
Most interesting day. Thank you
Thank you very much for informative morning
Just superb
Will be back!
Wonderful
Beautifully presented
A very informative visit as part of Brian Boru celebrations
Some of the comments:
Hidden secret
Fascinating place
A wonderful collection and building
Great asset
Well worth visiting, great guide!
A lovely surprise on my travels
Beautifully laid out
Informative visit
Very helpful guide
Fantastic visit
Some of the comments:
Very lovely place
Excellent visit. Stephen very helpful
Superb! Beautiful building
Thank you so much. I loved it!
Fascinating!
Lovely experience
Hidden gem. A brilliant museum
Extremely enjoyable. Many thanks
Lovely building
Some of the comments:
I had a very nice visit. The guide is so passionate!
Very interesting & well explained tour by guide.
Amazing
Lovely museum & great guide!
Great visit
Great memories
Fantastic!
Very rewarding
A fantastic exhibition of Ancient texts through Christian perspectives. Very enjoyable for all the family. Thank you so much!
A gem!
Very interesting and helpful
Extraordinary! Beautiful, important, enlighting
An impressive place with lots of history. Thank you for letting me feel such atmosphere!
Like walking into the past.
This place is magical and as beautiful as the librarian's eyes - who, moreover, was lovely and really helpful. From two bookworms in love with old historic places. An hidden gem!
Wonderful building and incomarable position, and a delightful introduction to the Armagh Public Library. Many thanks.
One of the most amazing places to bring children!
Quelle magnifique surprise que ce trésor!
Absolutely beautiful! Love the history in this building
Such a wonderful place filled with treasures!
A gem in the heart of Armagh
The history hidden here is absolutely amazing
What a wonderful treat for a bibliophile! Beautiful place.
Back again as the library as such a treaure of Armagh.
Treasure trove! Thanks as always for wonderful hospitality.
What a treasure, keep up this great place. Different world.
Beautiful library filled with so much history. It has been fun seeing some of it. Thank you!
* A must go.
A beautiful, beautiful place. The building is amazing, the architecture superb. The Library it's self is wonderful. The librarians? were informative and friendly. Great visit!!
* There's only one reaction for this library.
Through the authentically thickened doors, on top of one of the oldest hills, lies the most marvellous library which has graced Ireland - in my opinion. Whether it is a visit from international tourists or a humble dander from a native, the familiar gasp of wonder greets the library will always invite the knowing smiles of people of all walks of life in the familiar position of exploring, researching any topic of particular interest imagined or just checking of landmark. Whatever the reason, it will always be worth a visit.
* Not all Greek.
The only building in Armagh with greek over the door is a sneak peek into what lies behind the solid door. The smell of the old books is like walking into heaven and the variety is phenomenal. Everyone needs to visit even if you do not like books. The history of the building should have you coming back for more
"Visited the library as part of the Heritage days and just loved the place. Full of interesting books and great librarians for any support."
"Excellent Library with many ancient books, many modern Christian books but a good selection of books about the city and district as well. Miss Conlin and her staff could not be more helpful."
Some comments from our visitor book:
"Great welcome, and wonderful books!"
"Fantastic, tahnk you for your help."
"Very helpful and informative."
"What an absolute gem. Staff was delightful and so helpful."
"Wonderful collection in a beautiful building.!
"How eodnerful that the collection and building have been maintained"
"A fabulous and interesting place - to stimulate thoughts."
"A most fascinating collection. We were all made so welcome. Thank you."
"Wonderful experience, the best room we have visited!"
"A great collection. I felt very privileged to visit this library."
"Very much appreciated the building AND the helpful staff."
"Beautiful and the staff are lovely."
"Very informative, very enjoyable."
"Thank you so much for the explanations the true Irish welcome!"
"A veritable gem!"
"Staff very helpful. A beautiful library, enjoyed coming here very much."
"We are so grateful that friendspointed out this wonderful library to us!"
"Lovely venue for a concert." [Culture Night]
"Great events at Culture Night- special place."
"Thanks for all the informative help! A wonderful place!"
"Amazing books and very kind and friendly staff."
"Wonderful experience of a lifetime. Thank you, thank you."
"Terrific content"
"Marvellous help with the Book of Armagh and the parish of Ballymoyer"
Some comments from our visitor book:
"Wow, such tomes. A pleasure to view Gulliver's Travels!"
"An inspiring place..."
"It was very interesting and enjoyable."
"A very impressive library with a warm welcome. Thank you very much."
"Interesting building, we'll be back for a longer visit."
"Lovely old building. Great exhibits, friendly welcome."
"Wow! I love this library, it is so lovely to be able to see it and everyone is so helpful. Thank you."
"Remarkable, accessible and interesting. Thanks."
"Very interesting. Enjoyed seeing book of Gulliver's Travels."
"Peaceful: lovely place and lovely staff."
"It's amazing to be so close (in person and feeling) to history"
"Thank you very much for your kind hospitality. The kids enjoyed in particular the copy of Book of Kells!"
"An oasis of calm!"
"Great treasure hunt!"
"Beautiful library and really interesting, thank you!"
"Wonderful find, truly brilliant that the wonderful collection can be enjoyed by all."
"Thank you for letting me see the beautiful books."
"Having a marvellous experience to visit this place after a beautiful sung Even Prayer in the Cathedral."
"Thanks for your impressive hospitality."
"A real gem of a public library! The wonderful maps, books and manuscripts in the library are inspiring & exciting. We will be sure to visit again!"
"A beautiful library with very helpful and accommodating staff."
"A treasure. Extremely welcoming and a fascinating visit."
"A precious gift to be held cherished, reveered and used."
"Such a treasure you have in here! Thanks for letting this 17-year-old boy touch and read one of your books!"
"Molto interessante, splendida" [Very interesting, splendid]"
"How stunning! What a great selection of old books kept together in great condition. And what a lovely welcome we received! Thank you."
Some comments from our visitor book:
"Impressive, very well-preserved."
"A treasure trove"
"Wonderful exhibition on bookplates. Thank you!"
"A beautiful library, worth many visits"
"Fabulous place for a student of English Literature"
"Amazing piece of history. Very helpful staff. Thank you."
"Beautiful room, really impressive!"
"Most interesting, enjoyable visit - will tell others about it."
"Incredibily interesting."
"Beautiful! Such a lovely resource!"
"What a treat! Timeless elegance!"
"Very warm welcome! I could spend hours admiring these old books..."
"A truly heart warming place... it does one good to be here.. Thank you so much!"
"Outstanding collections in one space, we loced it, thanks."
"Gorgeous! And thanks for putting the books out of us!"
"Wonderful to see such old books."
"A beautiful and restful place."
"Welcoming and beautiful place of learning. Many thanks!"
"Wonderful library full of history. Very warm and friendly welcome."
Some comments from our visitor book:
"What a treasure you have here!"
"A beautifully displayed library of amazing range and quality - Thank you!"
"What a wonderful experience!"
"Wir sind begeistert über diese außergewöhnlichen Schätze" [We are enthralled by these extraordinary treasures]
"What an amazing library, suprised to find so many Pirenesi prints"
"A special, unique and stunning library. Delighted that we can continue our link." [Royal School, Armagh]
"Wonderful visit! Beautiful collection and lovely guide."
"Absolutely stunning. I didn't want to leave the room and [could have] stayed in here forever. It captivates your soul."
"A remarkable visit. We all enjoyed the craic, the laughter and the books above all. Thank you." [group visit]
"A world class collection. I await the delight of a further visit from the Antipodes, Australia. Thank you very much."
"Thank you for letting us enjoy this exceptional library: we love its motto!"
Some comments from our visitor book:
"It is very impressive to see Swift's first edition!"
"Fantastic room!"
"Impressive"
"Unique"
"Nostalgic"
"Wonderful atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff"
"A delight to visit"
"Wooooow!"
"Die Bibliothek ist sehr eindrucksvoll (The Library is very impressive)"
"Superb, nice"
"Thanks so much for all your help and for being so accommodating!"
"Lucretius still lives here! Oh joy!"
"Breathtaking"
"One of my favorite places"
"Enthralling"
"I am in awe!"
Some comments from our visitor book:
Don't want to leave!
Wonderful and very helpful, thank you
Absolutely magical
Just a magical space
Wonderful display of history
Amazing, einfach wunderschön!
Great to see old church writings
Overcome!
Nicely kept building, magnificent
Very atmospheric
Magnifique bibliotheque et accueil chaleureux (magnificent library and warm welcome)
So many lovely books
Very informative morning about Brian Boru
Thanks for your very generous help
Some comments from our visitor book:
One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen!
Indeed a healing place for the soul
Very impressive
Lovely library
A wonderful collection. Thank you for showing it to us
Amazing, fascinating!
Fills you with pride
We'll be back
Very helpful
Filled with knowledge
Breathtaking
A wonderful, authentic and interesting library!
I could get lost here
Some comments from the Library visitor book:
Thanks for your help!
Such awesome smell !
Homely :-)
Lovely Place
Beautiful library
Wonderful library, thank you for looking after it
Amazing library, well kep and great staff
Trip advisor review 13 March 2015NEWThey have a good collection of really ancient books, including the Gullivers Travels. Very friendly librarians tooo
Visited April 2014
Some comments from the Library visitor book:
Wonderful
Terrific, thank you
Very enjoyable visit
A remarkable and lovely library
Beautiful library
Amazing space
Impressive
loti iespaidigi [Latvian: very impressive!]
Thank you for a great tour!
Lovely!
Some comments from the Library visitor book:
Helpful and most interesting
Fascinating
So wonderful, thanks!
Here's to the next few hundred years, terrific, thank you
A remarkable and lovely library
Some comments from the Library visitor book:
A very useful and helpful visit. I learned a lot! Thanks!
Brilliant
Mighty
Wonderful
Beautiful place
Really interesting, a real treasure in a city of surprises
Excellent, great to see
Very helpful staff
Fond memories
Located opposite the Cathedral Some interesting items are kept in the Library. Ask and the staff will show you. Worth a visit.
Trip advisor review, 14 January 2015
"Make sure you visit this library. While other historical libraries will only let you look at the books from a safe distance, the staff at the Armagh library will let you look through any of the books (with protective gloves of course!) The staff is extremely welcoming and will stay out of the way while you browse, but if you have a question they'll be more than happy to answer. The smell of old books is incredibly comforting and you're free to stay and stare for as long as you like. While I was here they also had a display on paper marbling which was very interesting. Overall, if you appreciate books and/or history at all you absolutely have to stop here."
Tripadvisor review October 2014
"The Armstrong [Primary School] will continue to promote this great opportunity to showcase the wonderful history that Armagh has to offer and part of that is very much the way you all engage with the children. Over these last few years, the children will regularly mention the Morning on the Hill as their favourite trip and activity in P5 so it definitely makes a lasting impression".
Steven Vennard, Teacher.
A selection of comments:
Beautiful views.
Well worth the visit. Good information.
Very helpful staff. Most interesting.
Super. Will be back.
Exciting local history.
Wonderful collections – beautifully shown.
Wow!
Wonderful interesting building -truly memorable.
Excellently presented.
A great find.
A hidden gem – fascinating!
Great tour – very interesting.
Wonderful new experience.
Absolutely fascinating.
A lovely piece of history.
"A fresh "fix" of beautiful library and sense of belonging in history."
"Huge thanks for a wonderful display"
"This place really does Northern Ireland proud. Thank you."
"Stunning!"
"For all eternity!"
"A lovely library and a most helpful staff. Great case exhibits."
"A lovely surprise"
"Excellent collection"
"What a fantastic place!"
"A special find!"
"Lovely, welcoming library"
A selection of comments:
"Brilliant place"
"Will be back with U.S. visitors"
"Lovely lighting and exhibits"
"Lovely museum"
"Very helpful staff"
"Wonderful find!"
"What a lovely surprise behind the façade"
"Hidden gem, loved it!"
"Exhibition is very accessible."
"Magical!"
"A grand collection"
"I've always wanted to see an actual Ogham Stone"
"An oasis!"
"Excellent restoration"
"Steeped in history."
"Thanks for warm welcome."
Behind the facade of Vicar's Hill, one of the houses is not what it seems.... With the appearance of a residential house, number 5 inside is an amazing hexagonal stone building, formerly safe storage for documents, now a gem of a little museum- not to be missed! Loved our visit and browsing the Archbishop's coin collection... a good attraction for children and adults alike- helpful staff.
4 of 5 stars
Tripadvisor review 27 April 2011
What a jewel in the Crown of the City! We expected to drop in for 10 minutes and spent most of the afternoon with a first rate guide, Stephen Day who apart from introducing us to this remarkable treasue trove made sure we were able to make our next scheduled call by telephoning the Librarian of the Public library, which built at the same time, it so well complements.
5 of 5 stars
Tripadvisor review 15 December 2011
Must visit location for anyone visiting Armagh. We visited St Patrick's Cathedral, No5 Vicars' Hill and the Library. Each was excellent in terms of the information provided, the spectacle and contents but above all - the warmth of the people who welcomed us and explained the significance and history of each of these locations.
Everything is within 50 meters of each other as is No.4 The Hill where one can have a meal or a cup of coffee in a historic but still creatively modern set up. Test your eyes for the factors which makes it unique every so often you spot something else.... oh look!
5 of 5 stars
Tripadvisor reviewed 21 May 2012
Do visit the old registry at No 5 which has been carefully restored and is now a small museum
5 of 5 stars
Tripadvisor review 7 September 2012
A selection of comments:
"We cherished being here"
"Spectacular experience!"
"As a retired Fr BG and lover of Irish History, my deep compliments for 'guarding' the 70th flag so well!"
"Quite outstanding, what history"
"Lovely as ever"
"The library is an absolute gem"
"A wonderful part of our heritage"
"Powerful"
"I like this a lot"
"Have often wanted a peek inside, and am not disappointed"
"Inspirational"
"Excellent. Very helpful and friendly staff!"
A selection of comments:
"A beautiful space and peaceful to read in"
"A gem and wonder"
"Totally amazing, thank you!"
"A true treasure!"
"Wonderful to see it preserved and conserved"
"Gratitude for this treasure"
"A fascinating collection!"
"Beautiful books, nice smell!"
"Wow : )"
"Fantastic"
"Lovely"
"Long may it be accessive"
"Thank you for being so welcoming"
"Incredible"
A selection of comments:
"Wonderful opportunity to glimpse into the past!"
"Fantastic people and resources. A really beautiful place"
"Thank you"
"Wonderful Library. Delightful visit."
"A treasure indeed!"
"Always a must for my holiday!"
"I'm in love!!"
"Greatly enjoyed looking around"
"Looks like a movie set"
"Wonderful, great old books in good condition, nice people!"
"Smells fantastic"
"Very instructive collection"
"Inspiring"
"A healing place indeed"
A selection of comments:
"A very enjoyable & informative afternoon. Thank you to the Library staff for "their helpfulness."
"What a wonderful treasure"
"Wonderful resource"
"Beautiful and very well cared for!"
"Splendid!"
"Wonderful- a learning experience"
"Superb collection of historical works"
"Exquisite!"
"Magical"
"Stunning"
"Marvellous!"
"Atmospheric and fascinating"
"Very thought provoking!"
"One of the most beautiful libraries I have ever seen"
A selection of comments:
"Fascinating, thank you."
"Most interesting."
"Beautiful!!"
"Lovely staff"
"Everything excellent"
"Lovely building"
"I am in awe"
"Amazing collection"
"Breathtaking"
"Most impressive"
"Thank you for display of manuscripts!"
"Beautiful smell of books"
Wonderful building!If you are a fan of libraries you will love this - one of the first public libraries. There is a small exhibition of some of the materials that they hold.
Armagh Public Library is one of the great hidden architectural masterpieces of Europe. Marvellous resource for anyone interested in academic research but even if you're not you'll want to go there again and again just to enjoy the atmosphere. So many hidden gems in the collection like Gulliver's travels and a bible in shorthand the size of a matchbox! What really makes the Library stand out is the marvellous help from the Assistant Keeper Carol and the Secretary Lorraine.
This is like walking into a time capsule. It's a beautiful room full of ancient books. A high gallery, protected by lovely railings surrounds it. We were looking for ancestors and the librarian was extremely welcoming and helpful.
Tripadvisor review April 2013
We did not know how brilliant this little library was! Thanks to a friendly chat with a staff member at Embers Cafe on the main street during lunch, they wisely told us to visit this library. It looks like it is right out of a movie set...in fact I actually asked them if they had ever had any movies or tv shows use it as a set but they haven't. It is multi level with beautiful old architecture, wooden ladders and beautiful old books! Loved it!!
So much history in so little spaceArmagh Public Library has a fantastic atmosphere especially if you are interested in books and history. The basic pieces are from Archbishop Robinson’s own library. There are books from 17th and 18th century on many subjects as well as rare and valuable books such as first editions and illuminated manuscripts.
I can't tell much about the place due to my bad memory but if you spare some time for this lovely and tiny place, I am sure its people will make you very welcome.
Tripadvisor review April 2014
Must see medieval library collection!Holding a fascinating collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and printed works, the more interesting works are displayed very well. Don't be intimidated - just walk right in, have a look around, and ask any questions you might have of the well informed staff, who are happy to chat to you.
The library holds a large number of manuscripts and various other items, many of which are on display. Take your time, have a good look around, and you will find something of interest.
For researchers: if you specialise in mss, illustrations, etc., or have a particular interest and can't see what you're looking for in the catalogue, then do ask the staff - they are very knowledgeable.
Tripadvisor review September 2014
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