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

View Calendar

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

  • Thank you for a great tour!

    Lovely!

    Helpful and most interesting.

    Fascinating.

    So wonderful, thanks!

    Here's to the next few hundred years, terrific, thank you.

    A remarkable and lovely library.

    A very useful and helpful visit. I learned a lot! Thanks!

    Brilliant.

    Mighty.

  • 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.

     

  • * 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 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 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.

  • * 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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).

  • 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!

  • * So many lovely books.

    * Very informative morning about Brian Boru.

    * Thanks for your very generous help.

    * Breathtaking.

    * A wonderful, authentic and interesting library!

    * I could get lost here.

    * Thanks for your help!

    * Such awesome smell !

    * Homely :-)

    * Lovely Place.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • 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.

  • * 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.

    * 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!

  • 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 Gulliver's Travels and that's only to name a few. A magic place with great staff and tons of great and fascinating books.

  • 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!].

     

  • Wonderful.

    Beautiful place.

    Really interesting, a real treasure in a city of surprises.

    Excellent, great to see.

    Very helpful staff.

    Fond memories.

  • 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!

     

     

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • * 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!

  • 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.

     

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • * 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.

  • 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 .

     

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

     

  • 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.
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