A cultural haven and historic attraction rolled into one. Welcome to the oldest library in Belfast…
Explore riveting collections on topics ranging from “The Troubles” to Northern Ireland’s extraordinary women.
The Linen Hall has been an institution in Belfast since the late 1700s. This membership-led library, housed within a 19th-century former linen warehouse, is open to the whole community, locals and visitors alike. As so often, Seamus Heaney said it best: “The very words 'The Linen Hall Library' represent not just books, but better hopes for the way we live.” Admission is free and includes access to not just the general lending section but also to a plethora of interesting library, museum and digital collections, such as Irish & Local Studies. As they say themselves, The Linen Hall is Belfast’s living room – come to relax, read, think and be inspired.
Belfast City Hall, Belfast
The library hosts an exciting array of cultural events throughout the year. With art exhibitions and poets in conversation, history talks and intimate live gigs, there’s usually something to enjoy while in Belfast. Events are listed on their website and advanced booking is advised. When visiting the library itself, taking a guided tour is an excellent way to begin. The Linen Hall Tour offers an engaging introduction to the library’s history, as well as its unique collections. Tours run weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am. Afterwards, browse the gift shop on Level 2, where you’ll find books, publications, tote bags and a range of souvenirs. You can also visit the Linen Hall Charity Bookshop, on the corner of Rosemary and Lombard Streets, to discover a selection of pre-loved books and rare editions.
Food and drink at the Linen Hall LibraryInside the library, you can unwind at the Linen Hall library café, Chapter Coffee, a welcoming coffee shop inspired by Irish mythology and folklore. With beautiful views over Donegall Square, it’s an ideal place to relax with a book. It is not permitted to consume any food and drink within the reading rooms or study areas of the library itself. Thanks to its central location, the Linen Hall Library is also surrounded by a wide range of bars, cafés and restaurants. Nearby favourites include Edo for tapas-style plates and charcoal-grilled meats, Yugo for creative Asian-fusion dishes or Fountain Lane for great bar food.
Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
After your library visit, you’ll find there‘s plenty to see and do in every direction. Belfast City Hall, with its beautiful Baroque-Revival architecture, stands right opposite The Linen Hall, and a tour here is highly recommended. Just down the road, there’s the Victoria Square shopping hub, while one of Belfast’s most iconic pubs – The Crown Liquor Saloon – is also close by. Dating from the late 19th century, this lavish and beautifully preserved pub boasts mosaic floors, stained-glass windows and intricate decorative details.
Uncovering Belfast's food sceneAnother nearby Victorian landmark is St George's Market, where local traders sell tasty eats, artisan crafts and all sorts of other bric-a-brac from Friday to Sunday. To make the most of your visit, book a Belfast Food Tour with Taste & Tour. This award-winning four-hour food extravaganza begins with a stroll around the market, meeting traders and learning about its history, before exploring Belfast’s traditional bars and speciality food shops.
Plan your visit to the Linen Hall Library today and discover one of Belfast’s most treasured landmarks, before exploring everything the city has to offer.
Discover more of BelfastThe Linen Hall Library is one of Belfast's most treasured cultural landmarks, but this vibrant city has so much more to offer, from the world-famous Titanic Belfast to the leafy Belfast Botanic Gardens and the lively Cathedral Quarter, where historic streets, traditional pubs and contemporary culture come together.
