Opening Hours
The National Library of Ireland provides access to reading rooms for researchers, while visitors can enjoy free exhibition spaces. Our opening hours are as follows:
- Monday - Friday: 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm
- Tuesday evenings: 5pm - 7pm
- Saturdays: 9.30am - 1pm on the following dates.
Main, Microfilm and Manuscripts Reading Rooms
- Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
- Tuesday - Wednesday: 9.30am - 7pm
- Saturdays: 9.30am - 1pm on the following dates.
Family History Research Room
- Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
NPA Reading Room
- By appointment; email npaoffice@nli.ie
Prints & Drawings and Ephemera Collections Reading Room
- By appointment; email prints&drawings@nli.ie
All reading rooms and associated services are closed on the following dates in 2026;
- Thursday 1st January
- Monday 2nd February
- Tuesday 17th March
- Friday 3rd April
- Monday 6th April
- Monday 4th May
- Monday 1st June
- Monday 3rd August
- Monday 28th October
- 24th December – 1st January
A reader’s ticket is required to access all reading rooms and research spaces.
You may apply for a reader’s ticket using our online application form below.
Online application form
YEATS: The Life & Works of William Butler Yeats
Main Library building, 7/8 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 P638
- Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9.30am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)
- Tuesday - Wednesday: 9.30am - 7pm (last admission 6.30pm)
- Saturday - Sunday: 9.30am - 5pm (last admission 4:30pm)
- Public Holiday Mondays: 12pm - 5pm (last admission 4:30pm)
Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again
Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2, D02 VR66
- Monday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm (last admission 3.30pm)
- Closed on Public Holiday Mondays
Live Aid Exhibition
National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 WF85
- Monday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Admission to all exhibitions is free of charge.