Armagh Robinson Library

About the museum

Armagh Robinson Library was founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson (1708-1794), who wanted to share his books and works of art with the public. It is housed in a Georgian building on Abbey Street, with an elegant staircase and a classical Long Room lined with books from floor to ceiling.

The collections hold more than 40,000 printed works and over 355 manuscripts, covering subjects such as medicine, science, history, law, politics, theology and travel. The museum collections add over 4,100 objects, among them ancient and medieval coins, commemorative medals, sulphur gems, prints, maps and atlases, and the archaeological collection of Archbishop Beresford. One of the best known items is Jonathan Swift's own copy of Gulliver's Travels, which carries notes in his handwriting.

A short walk away, opposite St Patrick's Cathedral, No 5 Vicars' Hill is a small museum in a building that Robinson put up in 1772 as the Diocesan Registry. Behind a plain front, a small hall opens into two octagonal rooms with vaulted ceilings. Displays include eighteenth-century casts of gems, medal casts, satirical engravings by Hogarth and a three-dimensional model of Armagh as it looked in the early nineteenth century. Touch screens and activity sheets help children and families explore the collections.

The Library is a registered charity. Entry is free, donations are welcome, and group tours of the Library, No 5 and the Cathedral can be booked.

Highlights

• Jonathan Swift's annotated copy of Gulliver's Travels
• Long Room in a Georgian library building
• Medieval manuscripts and early printed books
• Coins, gems, prints and the Beresford archaeological collection
• No 5 Vicars' Hill museum with a model of early nineteenth-century Armagh

Permanent exhibitions

• Long Room and library collections – The Georgian Long Room displays books, manuscripts and early printed works, including Swift's own copy of Gulliver's Travels.
• No 5 Vicars' Hill museum – Objects from the Library collections, such as ancient coins, gems, Hogarth engravings and a model of Armagh in the early nineteenth century. Visits by appointment.

Founded

1771

Operated by

Armagh Robinson Library (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the Library and No 5 is free and donations are welcome. Group tours must be booked in advance, and the venues close to other visitors while a group tour takes place.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Library publishes AccessAble access guides for both the Library and No 5 Vicars' Hill. It takes part in the Just A Minute (JAM) Card scheme for visitors who need extra time, and offers an access guide with pictures for children and families, including those with autism.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The Library has a soft play area with soft books and cuddly toys for younger children and treasure hunts for ages 3 to 5, 5 to 7, 8 and over and 10 and over, plus a scavenger hunt for ages 8 and over. At No 5 children can write their name in Ogham, handle coin replicas, make rubbings and use touch screens.

Getting there & parking

The Library publishes driving directions from Portadown, Dungannon, Dublin and Newry. Its what3words location is ///happen.landscape.earliest.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The Library has a shop and research facilities. Researchers are asked to book a slot so material is ready.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

The Long Room can be hired for meetings, conferences, launches, talks and small concerts, with seating for 50. Presentation equipment is provided. Daytime hire is not available in July and August.

Plan your visit