Linen Hall Library
Linen Hall Library
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Founded in 1788, the Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast, a cultural centre with world-renowned collections and an accredited museum! It is renowned for its unparalleled Irish and Local Studies Collection, ranging from comprehensive holdings of Early Belfast and Ulster printed books to the 350,000 items in the Northern Ireland Political Collection, the definitive archive of the recent ‘Troubles’. The Library is free to enter and enjoy, and is housed in a stunning Victorian former linen warehouse in the picturesque Donegall Square, across from Belfast City Hall.
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Neighbourhood: City Centre
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4.5
282 reviews
Excellent
169
Very good
84
Average
20
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,737 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
This notable building is located on the main square in front of the city hall. Linen goods are a major product of this industrial town, a big employer at one time. Important that a library pays homage to this product. The building is attractive.
Written 26 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica R
Dublin, Ireland18 contributions
Feb 2023
It's free to go in. We were hoping to go to the cafe but it was closed. I heard good thing about the cafe. The place it just a small library and with posters in the stairwell. It might be a nice place to eat. But it is not worth it just to go for the library part.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soonkeum
Eugene, OR218 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We happened to walk by and visited unexpectedly. It was a wonderful surprise. The history of Troubles and particularly the role of women was enlightening and sobering. The poster exhibit on 4 levels of stairs was amazing
Upstairs there is a coffee bar in old world antiques and furnishings.
In the library we found some details of family history in the note cards going back decades.
So happy we found this exceptional museum.
Upstairs there is a coffee bar in old world antiques and furnishings.
In the library we found some details of family history in the note cards going back decades.
So happy we found this exceptional museum.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don I
Belfast, UK323 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Right in the busy city centre the Linen Hall Library offers escape from the bustle. You can sit amidst books ancient and modern and have a quiet cuppa. The snacks aren't extensive but the opportunity to get far from the (madding?) crowd is well worth the climb up well-worn stone stairs (or take the lift at the side entrance); the relief is palpable!
Written 3 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sc0ttishgirlglas0w
carrick1 contribution
I use the Linen Hall Library at least twice a week and find it a friendly place to go for lunch and sometimes meeting's. The coffee is of good standard and food is excellant for a small cafe there is plently of choices. The staff are always helpful and make you feel welcome. I would recommend here for lunch or even just a coffee. The library also has a lot to offer i find their section on Irish history quiet interesting.
Written 28 January 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dpcbeech
Belfast, UK143 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
This is one of my favourite spots in my home city! I have been visiting the Linenhall library since early childhood. I have never tired of the sights and atmosphere of the place. It is the home of some of Ireland’s rarest literary tomes and historically the site of some of our greatest historical events. In fact it probably still is, the place where many deeds are planned and schemes are plotted. It is a fantastic place to lose yourself for a few hours. The staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and the on-site coffee shop is top notch! What is even better though are the periodic historical displays. Definitely not however, somewhere to go for raucous banter or loud discussions!
Written 24 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeminiJules1958
London, UK19 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
A must-see for literary buffs. It's a beautiful library, unchanged for decades. Interesting array of books watched over by art works. Look at the list of speakers/lectures coming up. Delicious coffee and cake in a relaxing cafe on the first floor.
Written 2 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielleK723
Washington DC, DC128 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Go to the back set of stairs (after you walk up into it, walk thru the room and to the back) and there are lots of posters from the "troubles." Worth it just for that.
It's only 3 doors down from the visitor center, and free. Just pop in!
It's only 3 doors down from the visitor center, and free. Just pop in!
Written 25 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pqflyer
San Diego, CA101 contributions
Oct 2019
This was not on our must-do list, but we were very glad we went. The place is small, but it is very well done, and the docents are extremely knowledgeable. The demonstrations were great. All of our questions were answered. There's no admission fee. If you have some free time in Belfast, this is an excellent choice.
Written 28 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The1Heath
Scottsdale, AZ138 contributions
Oct 2019
Decided we needed to know a bit more about the linen industry in Ireland. We saw the museum exit as we were driving by and veered off. Glad we did. The history of linen/damask/flax was well laid out and explained. Delightful gift shop area. It’s free and fun.
Written 17 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi does the Linen Hall Library have a microfiche for me to use, thanks
Written 15 April 2019
Linen Hall Library
Belfast, United Kingdom
Hi. The Linen Hall Library does have microfiche readers. Our staff will be happy to show you where they are located. Thanks
Written 15 April 2019
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