The Linen Hall Library in Belfast is a cosy, historic treasure of a library and an absolute must when it comes to things to do in Belfast.
The Linen Hall Library, Belfast
Founded in 1788 as the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge. Apparently this is still the official name, but it now goes by the more user friendly Linen Hall Library.
The modern name of the library is owed to its location in a Victorian era former linen warehouse. This became the library’s permanent home after it was moved from a previous location to make way for the construction of Belfast City Hall.
Interestingly, you’ll see both name displayed at the entrance to the building. What’s in a name, hey?
The Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast and the only remaining subscription library in Ireland.
It’s also a very welcoming place, open to visitors. Whether you’re a bookish sort, a history lover, just curious or just looking for a place to escape the busy streets of Belfast, the Linen Hall Library will welcome you.
How to Find the Linen Hall Library
The library is located at 17 Donegal Square, opposite Belfast City Hall.
The entrance is pretty low key for such a historic place, you could easily walk past. Look for the pale stone carved into linen drapes and the Hand of Ulster over the door.
Inside The Linen Hall, Belfast’s Oldest Library
The beauty begins at the entrance of Charles Lanyon designed building; as mentioned, the entrance features some beautiful carvings over the door that are a tribute to the buildings former use.
Looking down, the floor of the entrance is a statement of the buildings current use and a beautiful bit of tiling. This leads to the stairs that take you up into the library.
As first impressions go, these stairs hit the mark. It’s very , ‘ Historic library, but make it stylish’.
Stone stairs, polished handrails, beautiful blue-green panelling and botanical artwork lining the walls. Very welcoming, very pretty.
Emerging into the library itself, the statement piece is the sweeping staircase. A thing of beauty in its own right, also perfect for views across the library as you go.
The interior is exactly what a library should be; dark wood, old desks and row after row of books on just about every topic you could think of. Including a couple about historic Belfast cemeteries.
Noted with interest, I love a good graveyard.
Not just books. An alphabetically arranged index system contains historic Birth, Death and Marriage notices from the 1800s. Just think of all the family history contained in those little drawers?
The Linen Hall Cafe
The Linen Hall Cafe is the perfect place to round off a wander round the library.
It’s a cosy and welcoming place with a bit of a Victorian Parlour feel. If you’re a lover of bookish, vintage inspired places then this one will tick the box. Bonus points for the lovely throne like chairs.
Definitely elevated my coffee & cake sitting on a throne to enjoy it.
Tip: Try and get a window seat looking across to the City Hall, the views are wonderful.
Find the family run cafe on the second floor of the Linen Hall Library.
Linen Hall Opening Times & Admission
The Linen Hall Library is FREE to visit making it a wonderfully budget friendly destination when exploring Belfast.
Donations are welcome; the library is a registered charity does appreciate support from members and visitors alike.
The Linen Hall library opening times are Monday-Friday, 0930-17.30.
Things to do Nearby
If you are looking for more things to do in Belfast near the Linen Hall library, here’s a few suggestions.
- Head over the road and explore Belfast City Hall and Gardens
- Find out more about Belfast’s history as a Linen city on a ‘Linenopolis’ walking tour. Tours can be booked and leave from the Linen Hall, tickets from Ā£10
- Jump on a city bus tour leaving from Donegal Square, just outside the city hall. A fun way to see a lot of Belfast in one or two days.
If you enjoyed reading about the oldest library in Belfast, you might also like this post: The Lit & Phil: How to Visit Newcastle’s Secret Library
Helen x
This one escaped me and I’m looking forward to seeing other things that I missed in Belfast
Thank you, it’s an easy place to miss but worth the effort to visit if you’re ever in Belfast again.
Wonderful, isnāt it? And Iām glad to see the cafe has opened it again. It had just closed when we were there in April because the people running it had gone bust I think. I hope these tenants are better!
It is indeed a wonderful place, one Iāll be visiting regularly while Iām here. The cafe seems to be thriving, long may that last!
I LOVE old books (and vintage liraries).
You do make a point of finding interesting places to visit.
Great, informative post Helen. The cafe was closed when we visited so we need to go back at some point! So pleased you are enjoying life in Northern Ireland. M.
It is a beautiful library indeed
What a wonderful place Helen and as you say it has all the elements of a classic library of yore. Love the staircase shot and reckon I could happily wile away some time digging away for 19th century delights in those little drawers. I have seen those kind of drawers before, in a bookshop in Carnforth if I remember correctly.
The old drawers are fab, aren’t they? I’d love some for the house, even if I’ve no idea what I’d keep in them.
How lovely. I’m obsessed with a beautiful library and this one looks so cosy and full of history
It’s a gem, and who doesn’t love an old library?
Those staircases! And the cafe looks delightful. Quite the hidden gem.
Hidden gem is the perfect description.
I love a good old library!
There really is something about them, isn’t there?