By Alaric 
Did you know that one of the best literary attractions in Belfast is a hidden gem opposite the famous City Hall?
It’s called the Linen Hall Library and it is the oldest library in Belfast.
They have been opening minds and promoting the pursuit of knowledge since 1788.
Many people miss it but don’t be one of those people. It’s a bibliophile’s paradise!
I’ve visited Belfast many times and can’t believe it’s taken me so long to visit.
It’s an oasis where you can browse endless books, visit interesting exhibitions and have a lovely cuppa in their café.
Here is how to visit the Linen Hall Library in Belfast and why you shouldn’t skip it.
History of the Linen Hall Library
The Linen Hall Library is a unique institution and was originally founded in 1788 as the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge.
You may be surprised to know that this is still its legal name but they changed it to The Linen Hall as sounded more friendly and inviting.
The group of artisans had a resolution “that the object of this Society is the collection of an extensive Library, philosophical apparatus and such products of nature and art as tend to improve the mind and excite a spirit of general enquiry”.
True to its word, the group started to collect books which were mainly Irish and genealogical along with the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
The society eventually needed a permanent place to house their collection and moved into the White Linen Hall, where the newer name stems from.
In the 19th century, it struggled to remain popular due to conservative views and prejudice.
It later converted to a public access library to protect its priceless collections.
After WWII and during The Troubles, it was on the brink of closure. However, a campaign to save the library began.
The institution started to provide a free public reference service and slowly regained popularity as a cultural centre for Irish studies.
Today, it has some of the largest genealogy collections in the country. It also holds the definitive ‘Troubles’ archive with over 350,000 items.
A literary hidden gem in Belfast
Today, the Linen Hall is the oldest library in Belfast and remains the only subscription library in all of Ireland.
They welcome anyone who wishes to visit and you’re free to browse their collections and visit their café.
It’s a haven for those who love to read, appreciate quiet spaces or are interested in history. You must visit.
The library is easy to find on 17 Donegall Square. This is opposite the famous City Hall, one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
That’s why I see this library as a hidden gem in plain sight as many people walk straight past the understated entrance sandwiched between shops!
It has a gorgeous neo-classical facade on the front door welcoming you in and you can head straight upstairs to the library floors.
Inside Linen Hall Library
As soon as I walked inside the building I gasped at the wonderful architecture.
The building was designed by Charles Lanyon, a notable Belfast architect who worked on the stunning Queen’s University building and others.
I was brimming with anticipation as I headed up the steep blue staircase. I then emerged onto the main floor of Level 2.
I was completely surrounded by books and was in my version of heaven!
The staff are very welcoming and will ask if you need anything or are looking for anything in particular.
If not, you’re free to explore the archives. You can browse the shelves on this level which has a gift shop and café.
Or, you can head up their sweeping staircase to find even more books and library collections.
Exploring the bookshelves
The Linen Hall Library has over 260,000 books on the shelves and in its archives which are all beautifully displayed on dark oak shelves.
There are endless collections of Irish books on many subjects including history, politics, art and poetry.
It feels like a labyrinth of tomes to get lost in. But, there are study tables and armchairs dotted throughout where you can relax.
As it’s still a subscription library, some parts of the library are reserved for its members. So, look out for signs.
As you explore, don’t forget to admire the many portraits and sketches hanging on the walls.
Many of these are of important library figures who are thought to haunt these hallowed halls.
Is the Linen Hall Library haunted?
A library that has been around as long as this is bound to have some interesting tales to tell.
According to the staff, the Linen Hall is said to be regularly visited by ghosts and they often hold paranormal events.
There have been sightings of a United Irishman called Thomas Russell who was arrested in the library and later executed.
Also, there are reports of Reverend William Bruce browsing the bookshelves in his robes.
Bruce was a leader in the opposition to the United Irish Movement.
His portrait hangs in a corner over the study tables and if you look his eyes seem to follow you around the room.
Along with strange creaks and the sounds of footsteps, people have seen an elderly woman pacing the library shelves.
She is thought to be a former librarian and it seems, even in death, she cannot escape this library.
I guess there are worse places. I can only hope my spirit will be so lucky to ‘suffer’ tomes for eternity!
Library Exhibitions & Political Collections
Beyond the books, you can find some fascinating exhibitions and collections.
They often have paintings on display as part of their ‘Art Unlocked’ projects which tell stories of Ireland’s past.
You can also find their Northern Ireland Political Collection. In the stairhall, they have ‘Troubled Images’ with civil rights posters and political imagery.
Their Troubles archive contains over 350,000 items from this tumultuous chapter of history.
I also loved the extraORDINARYwomen exhibit which looks into the roles of women in Northern Ireland plus there’s lots of LGBTQ+ material.
It’s worth exploring all the library floors to see what treasures you can find.
The Linen Hall Café
One of the best parts of visiting this library is the chance to relax in The Linen Hall Café.
It’s like stepping back in time to the Victorian Era and the decor is inspired by Irish mythology and folklore.
You can find colourful William Morris wallpaper, plants, lamps, antiques and portraits.
There are also stained glass windows with literary figures that provide panoramic views over Donegall Square and City Hall.
They serve a range of teas, coffee, brunch and homemade cakes throughout the day. It’s a wonderful and relaxing way to end a visit.
Linen Hall Gift Shop & Charity Bookshop
Don’t leave the library without browsing their library gift shop on Level 2.
It can be found as soon as you walk in and has a harp on the table, the national symbol of Ireland.
Here, you can find postcards, books and artworks inspired by the history and heritage of Ireland
You can even find a ‘blind date with a book’ for a bit of a surprise.
If you want to buy even more discounted books, you can visit their charity bookshop at 55-59 Royal Avenue.
It offers an eclectic range of pre-loved books and rare editions in many subjects!
Is The Linen Hall Library worth visiting?
Yes, this trove of literature is now one of my favourite places to visit in Belfast. It’s a sanctuary for the written word and a balm for the mind.
You can relax in this peaceful oasis with one of their priceless books or learn about Northern Ireland’s past.
Not to mention that their tea parlour is extremely cosy and will transport you back in time.
Don’t skip this literary hidden gem in Northern Ireland; it’s a national treasure you must experience.
How to visit the Linen Hall Library
You can find the Linen Hall Library opposite the Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square.
The centre of Belfast is easiest to navigate on foot as driving can be a nightmare and parking around the City Hall is limited and extortionate.
I parked in Value Car Parks just off the A12 which provides affordable daily parking for a day out.
If you’re not driving or your hotel is not central, I recommend taking the bus.
All roads in Belfast lead to Donegall Square and the area is filled with bus stops heading in all directions.
You’ll find the library next door to Hotel Chocolat and near the Visit Belfast tourism office.
Ticket prices & opening times
The Linen Hall Library is open to the public library, so it’s completely free to visit.
However, donations are always appreciated to keep the institution accessible to all. A suggested donation is £3.
There are many ways you can donate either directly or by purchasing something from their lovely gift shop.
It’s open from 9.30 am – 5.30 pm Monday to Friday but is completely closed on weekends.
Looking for things to do in Belfast?
Beyond this library, there is plenty to do in this gorgeous city of Northern Ireland.
If you want to learn more about Belfast’s tumultuous history, you must visit the City Hall.
Or, you can visit the Cathedral Quarter to see St Anne’s Cathedral plus famous bars like the Duke of York and Crown Liquor Saloon.
No visit to Belfast would be complete without a visit to the Titanic Museum.
Here, you can see the real story behind the ship that was never meant to sink.
You can head to the Belfast Botanic Gardens which are gorgeous and the Queen’s University which is a dark academia dream.
Belfast Castle is also somewhere I would recommend stopping by. It has a wonderful cat garden and endless views over the city and coast.
Game of Thrones is a big thing here and you can head on a walking tour of Glass of Thrones. This has six stained glass windows to find.
Or, why not head to the Ulster Museum and visit the Game of Thrones Tapestry? It’s a 90-metre-long tapestry that has scenes from every episode from The Red Wedding to the Mad Queen.
There is even a Game of Thrones Studio Tour that you can visit located just outside of the city in Banbridge.
Never forget that from Belfast, you’re only an hour’s drive away from the ancient and magical Causeway Coast!
You can visit highlights like the Dark Hedges, which is one of the most magical locations.
You also have the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Read more of my Northern Ireland guides
Ballintoy Harbour – Welcome to the Iron Islands
How to visit Dunluce Castle
A complete guide for Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Game of Thrones Studio Tour review
How to visit the Game of Thrones Tapestry
Glass of Thrones walk in Belfast
How to visit the Dark Hedges
Cushendun Caves Game of Thrones location
How to visit Pollnagollum Caves
How to visit the Garvagh Pyramid
Glenarm Barbican – Visit a fairytale castle in Antrim
How to visit Gleno Waterfall
Discover Northern Ireland
Save the Linen Hall Library for later!
