Online Exhibition | Power and Privilege: The Big House in Ireland
Parkanaur House, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone (L_ROY_03945)
Explore life on the estates of the "Big Houses" through this online exhibition drawing on many of the National Library of Ireland's photographic collections.
Ireland's “Big Houses” were the large country homes of local landlords. The images reveal much about the architecture, gardens, families and staff of the landed estates, across the island of Ireland, before the political revolution in the early twentieth century changed their role in Irish society.
If our team can be of any assistance, please contact us at learning@nli.ie
Online Exhibition | World War Ireland
Enlistment poster (EPH F93)
In summer 1914, a war broke out in Europe that would change the world forever. This online exhibition focuses on the unique aspects of the Irish WWI experience.
In Ireland, many supported the cause and joined up or travelled to serve in nursing and auxiliary services. Others objected to the war on moral, social or political grounds. By the time the conflict ended in 1918, its impact had been felt through the length and breadth of the country.
The exhibition draws on the National Library of Ireland’s collections of letters, diaries, recruiting posters, newspaper reports, cartoons, and handbills from 1914-1918.
If our team can be of any assistance, please contact us at learning@nli.ie
Online Exhibition | Terence MacSwiney, “a patriot of plain men”
Portrait of Terence MacSwiney, Irish Political Figures Photographic Collection, c. 1918 (NPA POLF187)
Terence MacSwiney, “a patriot of plain men” explores the story of Terence MacSwiney, a playwright and ardent republican, and a leading member of the Irish Volunteers and the IRA in Cork.
MacSwiney had been arrested and interned or imprisoned many times, but following his arrest in August 1920 he went on hunger strike.
Artefacts from the collections of the National Library of Ireland reveal how MacSwiney’s slow death was a terrible personal tragedy for his family, and a critical event in the War of Independence. It was also a powerful international propaganda coup for the cause of Irish independence, and a moral and political nightmare for the British government.
If our team can be of any assistance, please contact us at exhibitions@nli.ie
Exhibition | Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats (INDH3464)
Experience our award-winning exhibition on William Butler Yeats (1865-1939), one of the great writers of the 20th century and a significant influence on modern Irish cultural identity. The exhibition is comprised of items from the National Library of Ireland’s Yeats Collection, the largest collections of books, manuscripts, and personal items relating to WB Yeats in the world.
The exhibition touches on Yeats’s many interests – Ireland, literature, folklore, theatre, politics, mysticism, and the occult. Some highlights include manuscripts of many of Yeats’s most beloved poems including “The Lake Isle of Inisfree” and “Easter, 1916”, his Nobel Prize medal, personal artefacts – from Yeats’s school reports to a cherished carved piece of lapis lazuli – remarkable photographs of Yeats and his family and friends, and much more.
This exhibition is made possible by the generosity of the Yeats family in donating these wonderful items to the NLI.
Permanent Exhibition, Open Monday to Sunday
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 4:45pm
Public Holiday Mondays, 12pm - 5pm, last admission 4:45pm
Exhibition | Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again
Experience the poet’s life, work, and imagination through his desk, manuscripts, and personal treasures.
Enter the life and imagination of Seamus Heaney, Ireland’s Nobel Prize–winning poet, and experience the forces—both personal and cultural—that shaped his extraordinary work. This immersive exhibition invites you to walk alongside Heaney through the moments, memories, and inspirations that defined his life.
At the center of the experience is Heaney’s own writing desk, a quiet witness to his creative process. Surrounding it are original manuscripts, letters, unpublished works, diary entries, photographs, personal artefacts, and multimedia recordings—each offering a window into the mind of one of the 20th century’s greatest poets.
Enhance your visit by joining one of our daily guided tours at 2 pm, offering deeper insights into the exhibition’s highlights. Larger groups are also warmly welcomed, and advance bookings can be arranged for a tailored experience.
Drawn from the extensive archive generously donated by Heaney and his family to the National Library of Ireland in 2011, the exhibition brings his legacy vividly to life.
Curated by Professor Geraldine Higgins, Director of Irish Studies at Emory University, it is presented in partnership with the National Library of Ireland, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Bank of Ireland, blending scholarship, creativity, and cultural heritage in one unforgettable journey.
If our team can be of any assistance, please contact us at heaneyexhibition@nli.ie
Online Exhibition | From Turmoil to Truce: Photographs of the War of Independence
Ms. Brown, outside her home in Meelin, Co. Cork, that was destroyed in an attack by the Black and Tans, 7 January 1921 (HOGW 118)
The images are black and white. The issues aren’t.
From Turmoil to Truce: Photographs of the War of Independence explores key aspects of the Irish War of Independence through the National Library of Ireland’s photographic collections.
Ireland is a dangerous place in 1920 and 1921. Across the country, repressive British Forces are ranged against increasingly agile, aggressive IRA units. In between those opposing sides are ordinary people trying to live in extraordinary times.
If our team can be of any assistance, please contact us at learning@nli.ie
Exhibition | Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats
Experience our award-winning exhibition on William Butler Yeats (1865-1939), one of the great writers of the 20th century and a significant influence on modern Irish cultural identity.
The exhibition draws on items from the National Library of Ireland’s Yeats Collection, the largest collections of books, manuscripts and personal items relating to WB Yeats in the world.
Explore Yeats’ many interests – Ireland, literature, folklore, theatre, politics, mysticism and the occult. Exhibition highlights include manuscripts of many of Yeats’ most beloved poems including “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” and “Easter, 1916”, his Nobel Prize medal, personal artefacts from Yeats’ school reports to a cherished carved piece of lapis lazuli, remarkable photographs of Yeats and his family and friends, and much more.
Exhibition opening hours
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)
**Please note the exhibition will be closed on Saturday 3 October 2026 due to industrial action. See more details here.
If our team can be of any assistance, please contact us at learning@nli.ie