The Robinson Library was founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson — sensing a theme — making it Ireland's oldest public library in continuous use. The building, a quiet Georgian structure near the Church of Ireland cathedral, houses a remarkable collection of manuscripts, early printed books, and maps accumulated over 250 years.
The treasures include a copy of Gulliver's Travels annotated in Jonathan Swift's own hand, presented by Swift himself; the Book of Armagh, an 807 CE manuscript that is one of the most important surviving documents of early Irish Christianity; and a collection of Copernicus's astronomical works. For a small city library, the combination is astonishing.
The library is open to the public and actively seeks visitors — the librarians are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The reading room retains its original 18th-century fitted bookcases and atmosphere. Admission is free; guided tours can be arranged by appointment.