Introduction

The photographic collections of the National Library of Ireland are housed in the National Photographic Archive in the Temple Bar area of Dublin. The Archive building incorporates a substantial storage area, together with darkrooms, and a conservation area. The provision of a Reading Room, an Exhibition area and a small retail space combine to enhance access to the collections.

Belfast Barricades, September 1969 (Ref.: INDBF969 10[17]).

The National Library's photographic collections comprise approximately 630,000 photographs, the vast majority of which are Irish. While most of the collections are historical there are some contemporary collections. Subject matter ranges from topographical views to studio portraits, and from political events to early tourist photographs. The Library maintains an active collecting policy and material is constantly added to the collections, often by way of generous donations from various sources.