Armagh Robinson Library & No 5

Welcome

Discover the treasures in our 4-star visitor attraction, library and museum: Armagh Robinson Library, formerly Armagh Public Library, and No 5 Vicars' Hill!

Click on the links for more information on the Library and No 5.

Armagh Robinson LibraryNo 5

Collections

Armagh Robinson Library and No 5 hold many wonderful collections of manuscripts, printed books, pamphlets and periodicals, atlases, prints, coins, gems, medals and archaeological artifacts. Have a look at some examples on our collections page!
  • Map of Central Eurasia in P001148261: Claudij Ptolemæi Alexandrini Geographiae libri octo Graeco-Latini, 1605 in Armagh Robinson Library
    Map of Central Eurasia in P001148261: Claudij Ptolemæi Alexandrini Geographiae libri octo Graeco-Latini, 1605

Calendar

September 2019

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
  • Morning closure Library
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
  • Morning Closure Library & No 5
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Morning Closure Library & No 5
  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
  • Afternoon Closure Library
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • No 5 open for EHOD weekend
  • Library open for EHOD weekend
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  • Library and No 5 open for EHOD weekend
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
  • Morning Closure Library & No 5
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
  • Morning closure Library
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  • Morning Closure Library
  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
  • Morning Closure No 5
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  • Exhibition. First Past the Post : Outdoor Sports in Armagh
  • Morning Closure Library
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  • Morning closure No 5
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Have a look around

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For a close up look, go to our virtual tours page!

Reviews

  • History and knowledge and Ancestory *****
    Amazing library, with history over a centuries old, beautiful staff that go far and beyond to assist you with your Ancestory.
    Tripadvisor August 2019
  • Wow! *****
    We missed out on seeing Trinity College's library but this place totally made up for it! Free of charge, you just ring the doorbell and they will let you in! Many very old artifacts are here, The staff were very friendly and let me take pictures without a flash.
    Tripadvisor August 2019
  • Visit with local genealogy group ****

    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

  • Amazing place, amazing staff! *****

    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

  • Tripadvisor
    What a Gem.*****

    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.

     

  • Tripadvisor

    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 .

     

  • Everyone needs to visit – Tripadvisor

    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.

  • A Place of Magic – Tripadvisor

    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.

  • A Hidden Gem – TripadvisorA Hidden Gem

    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.

  • Tripadvisor review
    True Hidden Gem *****

    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.

     

  • Tripadvisor reviews

    "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."

  • Visitor book

    Some of the comments:

    • Superb
    • Breathtaking, wonderful to see such a collection!
    • What a beautiful library! Kids loved it too!
    • My husband is today 60: this is a nice present!
    • Well worth the walk up the hill, fascinating
    • Thank you so much for organising our visit. Love it.
    • Fascinating range of material. Thank you so much for your hospitality
    • A great task to keep this library functioning. Thank you
    • Enjoyed doing the quiz
    • Interesting and informative. Enjoyable quiz for children
    • Thank you for preserving the riches of history for future generations
    • Thank you for your help in locating pictures, early 1900s. Wonderful to see how my great grandmother lived.
    • Beautiful buildings - such an amazing, historical place
    • I think this Library is awesome
    • Beautiful, cosy library. It's a magical place which brings you back to the ancient times. Loved it!
    • Fantastic library with many fascinating books. It shows what a library means.
    • A joy to behold!
    • Very interesting! For the first time I was actually allowed (wearing white gloves) to have a look inside the tomes I always see in libraries in stately homes
    • Wonderful explanations about this library and the story of Armagh. Thank you so much!
    • Amazing, staff are so friendly and Helpful. My husband is drooling, will have to drag him out.
    • Thank you so much for keeping the library open to public.
  • Visitor Book

    Some of the comments:

    • Quel merveilleux et interessant accueil. Merci beaucoup, ce sera un bon souvenir.
    • A remarkable collection and room. Long may it flourish!
    • Fascinating to see james Usher's book on using the Bible to put an age on the the creation of Earth. And wonderful to see works by Jonathan Swift, manuscripts on food and drink and to spend time in a beautiful old library. Thank you.
    • Amazing collection of books. Particularly enjoyed the works by J. Swift.
    • Excellent place and guide. Great patience with deaf group. Thanks.
    • What a mine of information! & Given by a lovely person.
    • very interesting - and very friendly and helpful staff
    • Very nice and welcoming place! Thanks for welcoming us!
    • Absolutely fascinating. Many of us will return for a future look
    • This is probably the best library in Ireland. It is wonderful.
    • A truly priceless insttution- with amazing resources.
    • Thankful for opportunity to enjoy wonderful history. Brilliant, most wonderful people
    • Peaceful place
    • Beautiful preserved books, lovely staff!
    • Hire me!
    • One of the best place I have visited in a while.
    • Wow. Just wow.

     

  • TripAdvisor April-July 2016
    Fabulous atmospheric building and fascinating history

    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.

    ***

    Beautiful library

    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.

    ***

    My favourite place

    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!

    ***

    An absolute gem with lovely staff

    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.

  • Tripadvisor

    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.

    +++

    A gem of a museum (No5)*****

    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.

  • Tripadvisor

    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.

  • Visitor Book

    Some of the comments:

    • Great visit, thank you!
    • Very interesting, thanks
    • Brilliant!
    • Great colelction, thank you!
    • Lovely museum, tahnk you very much!
    • Terrific!
    • The best birthday present! Pure delight!
    • Great guide, we learned a lot!
    • Excellent presentation
    • Very friendly
    • Wonderful visit, thanks!
    • Very interesting, with very helpful, informative curator
    • Lovely building and excellent interesting tour
    • Loved the history
  • Visitor Book

    Some of the comments:

    • Wonderful tour
    • Fantastic acoustics
    • Very nice, wonderful guide and info
    • Very interesting and helpful
    • Beautiful exhibition
    • Excellent history
    • Very enjoyable and informative
    • Look forward to coming again
    • Lovely building
    • Friendly and very informative, thank you
    • Very well restored and presented
    • Very interesting coin collection
    • Terrific, gets better each year!
    • Lovely, such a wonerful museum!
    • Fantastic design, very interesting
    • Beautiful and pleasant
    • Fab space
    • Great place to visit
    • Magnific!
    • Merci, c'est magnifique!
    • Fabulous
  • Visitor Book

    Some of the comments:

    • Lovely building
    • Very well presented
    • Excellent tour
    • Astounding. A hidden gem
    • Very friendly and generous with his time, thank you
    • Lovely tour
    • Definitely entertaining!
    • Wonderful museum. Hidden gem
    • Very interesting and nice architecture
    • Excellent facilities
    • I love this place!
  • Visitor Book February 2016

    Some of the comments:

    • Looking forward to another visit
    • Fab!
    • Really interesting tour, children really enjoyed it, thank you.
    • Fantastic restoration!
    • Excellent, thank you!
    • Lovely building
    • Excellent displays
    • A great discovery
  • Visitor Book

    Some of the comments:

    • Enjoyed my time
    • Wonderful guide
    • Excellent venue [storyteling project]
    • Sooo interesting!
    • Very good. Will come back
    • Thank you - fantastic learning about history of Armagh
  • Visitor Book

    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

     

     

  • Visitor Book

    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

  • Visitor Book

    Some of the comments:

    • Just a quick visit to check on family background
    • Thank you Stephen for the visit
    • Absolutely beautiful - thank you
    • Superb
    • Super place
    • Lovely building
    • Interesting history
    • Fascinating and valuable
    • Fantastic displays
    • Thank you for the informative discussion
    • Fantastic, great guide!
    • Amazing!
    • Astonishing
  • Visitor Book

    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

  • Visitor Book August 2015

    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

     

     

  • Visitor Book July 2015

    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!

  • Visitor Book June 2015

    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!

  • Visitor Book May 2015

    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!

  • Visitor Book April 2015

    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

  • Visitor Book March 2015

    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

     

  • Visitor Book February 2015

    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

  • Visitor Book January 2015

    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

  • Visitor Book April 2016

    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!

  • Vistor Book March 2016

    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!

     

     

  • Trip Advisor Reviews February 2016

    * 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

  • Trip Advisor Reviews October 2015

    "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."

  • Visitor Book September 2015

    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"

  • Visitor Books August 2015

    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."

     

  • Visitor Book July 2015

    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."

  • Visitor book June 2015

    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!"

     

  • Visitor Book May 2015

    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!"

     

  • Visitor Book April 2015

    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

  • Visitor Book March 2015

    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

  • Visitor Book February 2015

    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

     

  • Worth a look through
    4 of 5 starsTrip advisor review 13 March 2015NEW

    They have a good collection of really ancient books, including the Gullivers Travels. Very friendly librarians tooo

    Visited April 2014

  • Visitor Book January 2015

    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!

  • Visitor Book December 2014

    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

  • Vistor Book November 2014

    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

  • An eye opener

    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

  • If you only have one stop in Armagh

    "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

  • Morning on the Hill programme

    "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.

  • Visitor book September-November 2014

    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.

  • Visitor Book October 2014

    "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"

  • Visitor Book June-August 2014

    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."

  • The Registry is an amazing surprise!

    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

  • Wonderfully restored 240 year old Registry

    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

  • Historic WOW!

    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

  • Lovely Georgian buildings

    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

  • Visitor Book 2014 (V)

    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!"

  • Visitor Book 2014 (IV)

    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"

  • Visitor Book 2014 (III)

    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"

  • Visitor Book 2014 (II)

    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"

  • Visitor Book 2014 (I)

    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"

  • Oldest library in the North of Ireland
    This Library should be as treasured as the Long Room of Trinity College Dublin. The Librarian Carol was fantastically helpful and enthusiastic. A return visit soon with more of my friends is on the cards.
    Tripadvisor review 15 December 2011
  • Wonderful building!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.

    Tripadvisor review 7 September 2012
  • One of Europe’s hidden gems

    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.

    Visit December 2012
    Trip advisor review January 2013
  • What a surprise

    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

  • What an amazing surprise!

    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!!

    Visited May 2013
    Tripadvisor review June 2013
  • So much history in so little spaceSo much history in so little space

    Armagh 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!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.

    Visited September 2014

    Tripadvisor review September 2014

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