Linen Hall Library
Linen Hall Library
4.5
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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Address
Neighbourhood: City Centre
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See what travellers are saying
  • Jessica R
    Dublin, Ireland18 contributions
    Nothing special
    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.
    Visited February 2023
    Written 23 February 2023
  • Melissa
    London, United Kingdom89 contributions
    Delicious food and great atmosphere
    We were recommended this place by a restaurant down the road and the atmosphere was really unusual. My Mum had the poached eggs on toast with feta and avocado and she loved it, generous portion and good quality ingredients. I opted for the Irish breakfast and although it was delicious I wouldn’t opt for this again, personal preference but it doesn’t come with beans and I didn’t find it filling, one sausage, egg, etc, however the avo on toast looked amazing so I would choose that next time. I loved the feel of the place and I can see it would be a great place to go with friends or someone special. It did get busy so it might be worth seeing if you can book.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 August 2023
  • Soonkeum
    Eugene, Oregon234 contributions
    Exceptional history of Belfast through posters and memorabilia
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 October 2023
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4.5
279 reviews
Excellent
167
Very good
84
Average
19
Poor
7
Terrible
2

Soonkeum
Eugene, OR234 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.
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.

Travel779959
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Lovely tea room located in Linen Hall Library. Had a great breakfast of French Toast & Bacon. Tea Room is unique. Worth a visit if you are in Belfast. The Library is interesting too with lots of events worth exploring.
Written 9 September 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.

Melissa
London, UK89 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We were recommended this place by a restaurant down the road and the atmosphere was really unusual. My Mum had the poached eggs on toast with feta and avocado and she loved it, generous portion and good quality ingredients.

I opted for the Irish breakfast and although it was delicious I wouldn’t opt for this again, personal preference but it doesn’t come with beans and I didn’t find it filling, one sausage, egg, etc, however the avo on toast looked amazing so I would choose that next time.

I loved the feel of the place and I can see it would be a great place to go with friends or someone special. It did get busy so it might be worth seeing if you can book.
Written 20 August 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.

Linda PK
Banbridge, UK391 contributions
May 2023 • Family
What a lovely hidden gem in the city centre to browse books, a gift shop and to visit the cafe for breakfast etc.
Prices are affordable, staff welcoming and the food really really delicious. The Ulster Fry and chicken Caesar Salad were very impressive! Atmospheric vintage style!
Written 1 May 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.

Stu880
Lincoln, UK39 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
A hidden gem, recommended from a walking guide. The food was fantastic in quality, quantity and price, the staff should be thanked for fantastic service in superb surroundings 10/10 alround
Written 28 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.

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.

Ireloyd
Dublin, Ireland15 contributions
Jun 2022
We came for lunch in the café, the service was slow but friendly. A picturesque setting with wonderful food. The rest of the building was interesting but the café for brunch or lunch is a must.
Written 16 August 2022
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.

Mathmagic
Portrush, UK66 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
An interesting and quirky place. Full of propaganda posters from the troubles. With a tall glass staircase, in the middle of a beautiful old building full of character and charm. A decorative and quaint coffee shop on the first floor. Some interesting items there for browsing, and some you are able to purchase.
Written 26 July 2022
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.

LisaVienna4034
Vienna, Austria594 contributions
May 2022
This library is somewhat hidden away, right in the center of town - across from the City Hall. You can not only browse through the books and relax for a while, there is also a lovely café.
Written 2 July 2022
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.

Chuma
Macclesfield, UK37 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
It felt like a step back in time.
Smack in the middle of the city but with none of the hustle and bustle.
It's a lovely place to spend a rainy day.
Written 6 May 2022
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.

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LINEN HALL LIBRARY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Linen Hall Library