BE INSPIRED!

The Library is open for visitors, Monday - Friday 10.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 16.00.

We look forward to offering you a warm welcome!

Please make sure to check our events calendar for any exceptional closures before you make your trip!

There is something to inspire all the family in both the Library & No 5, such as treasure hunts, interactive touchscreens, our displays and a 3-D model of early 19th century Armagh.

In the beautiful Georgian building on 5 Vicars' Hill we have many treasures on display, including coins, gems, prints, and early Christian artefacts.

No 5 is open by prior appointment via email only.

Groups are very welcome to book a tour to both the Library and No 5.

Please check our group tours page for more information.

Our collections are available for researchers: contact the office to book a research slot, so we can have the material ready for you!

EXHIBITIONS

Image credit: Ian Maginess

Armagh Robinson Library and No 5 hold regular temporary exhibitions, displaying many wonderful examples from our collections.

Have a look at some examples on our collections page , or visit our online exhibitions.

HAVE A LOOK AROUND

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

THE COLLECTIONS

SUPPORT US

Help us to continue developing, conserving, protecting and sharing our collections. Our support page explains the different ways you can help us.

One of the ways to support is by making a donation, or by adopting a book or a shelf through our Adopt-a-Book scheme.

The buttons below will take you straight to a donation form.

We are very grateful for all the support!

Donate

We are a charity and we need your support. Help us to continue to share the…

Be Part of Our Past and Future

Be Inspired

LATEST NEWS

EVENTS

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CLOSURES

AWARDS & ACCREDITATIONS

TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS

  • star rating  We visited this wonderful library and had the amazing benefit of the very dedicated assistant keeper, carol, to guide us and point out some of the highlights. This made vis

    avatar thumb C C
    September 15, 2021

  • star rating  We visited this wonderful library and had the amazing benefit of the very dedicated assistant keeper, carol, to guide us and point out some of the highlights. This made visit... read more

    GoPlaces07294874077
    September 15, 2021

  • star rating  Just amazing. Completely fascinating, totally absorbing. Carol looked after us so well, and we spent a wonderful couple of hours browsing through Rubens sketches. looking up our hometown... read more

    avatar thumb Nick K
    September 14, 2021

  • star rating  Just amazing. Completely fascinating, totally absorbing. Carol looked after us so well, and we spent a wonderful couple of hours browsing through Rubens sketches. looking up our hometown... read more

    638nickk
    September 14, 2021

  • star rating  Our visit to the Library and No.5 truly exceeded our expectations. We were warmly received, expertly guided and left feeling like we had had the full VIP experience. Thanks to... read more

    avatar thumb
    July 2, 2021

  • star rating  Our visit to the Library and No.5 truly exceeded our expectations. We were warmly received, expertly guided and left feeling like we had had the full VIP experience. Thanks to... read more

    avatar thumb Sightseer315350
    July 2, 2021

  • star rating  Our visit to the Library and No.5 truly exceeded our expectations. We were warmly received, expertly guided and left feeling like we had had the full VIP experience. Thanks to... read more

    Tara C
    July 2, 2021

  • star rating  Amazing library, with history over a centuries old, beautiful staff that go far and beyond to assist you with your Ancestory.

    medusa60
    August 14, 2019

  • star rating  Amazing library, with history over a centuries old, beautiful staff that go far and beyond to assist you with your Ancestory.

    avatar thumb
    August 14, 2019

  • star rating  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... read more

    Inspire323205
    August 11, 2019

Reviews Library

  • 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 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!!

     

     

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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. Ms Conlin and her staff could not be more helpful.

  • * 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.

  • Great welcome, and wonderful books!

    Fantastic, thank 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 wonderful 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.

     

  • A 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.

  • * 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!

  • Amazing library, with history over a centuries old, beautiful staff that go far and beyond to assist you with your Ancestry.

  • 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.

     

  • 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!

     

     

  • 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.

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

     

  • 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 accessible.
    Thank you for being so welcoming.
    Incredible.

  • * 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.

    * Beautiful building and interesting history.

    * Wonderful tour!

    * Excellent, needs another visit.

    * A great space, great resource, excellent staff. Well worth visit.

  • * 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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!!

  • * Wonderful.

    * Beautifully presented.

    * A very informative visit as part of Brian Boru celebrations.

    * 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.

    * Wow, such tomes. A pleasure to view Gulliver's Travels!

    * An inspiring place...

    * It was very interesting and enjoyable.

  • * Very well restored and presented

    * Very interesting coin collection.

    * Terrific, gets better each year!

    * Lovely, such a wonderful museum!

    * Fantastic design, very interesting.

    * Beautiful and pleasant.

    * Fab space.

    * Great place to visit.

    * Magnific!

    * Merci, c'est magnifique!

    * Fabulous.

  • 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 .

     

  • 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.

     

  • Beautiful library.

    Wonderful library, thank you for looking after it.

    Amazing library, well kept and great staff.

    Terrific, thank you.

    Very enjoyable visit.

    A remarkable and lovely library.

    Beautiful library.

    Amazing space.

    Impressive.

    loti iespaidigi [Latvian: very impressive!].

     

  • Located opposite the Cathedral Some interesting items are kept in the Library. Ask and the staff will show you. Worth a visit.

     

  • * Welcoming and beautiful place of learning. Many thanks!

    * Wonderful library full of history. Very warm and friendly welcome.

    * Thank you for letting us enjoy this exceptional library: we love its motto!

    * 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!

    * Don't want to leave!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • * 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.

     

  • 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!

  • 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.

     

  • * A truly priceless institution- 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.

    * Wonderful visit, thanks!

    * Very interesting, with very helpful, informative curator.

    * Lovely building and excellent interesting tour.

  • * 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, enlightening.

    * 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!

  • 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.

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