The National Library’s holdings constitute the most comprehensive collection of Irish documentary material in the world and offer an invaluable representation of Ireland’s history and heritage.

Material acquired through Legal Deposit, donations and purchases are subsequently processed for storage and access. Providing appropriate storage and care for all collections is a vital part of our work and ensures its preservation for future generations.

The National Library collections comprise a number of formats; to facilitate easy navigation of this section of the website, collections have been grouped into four categories: Printed, Manuscripts, Visual, Digital.

The National Library is open, free of charge, to all those who wish to consult the collections. You will need a Reader’s Ticket to consult most categories of material. 

We do not lend books and reading is done in the various reading rooms. We have a copying service and it is possible to get digital images, prints and photocopies of most items in the collections.  

The Library has a lively programme of exhibitions and events for all ages.