Explore Belfast's oldest library since 1788, featuring world-renowned collections, exhibitions, and a welcoming café for families.

The Linen Hall is Belfast's oldest library, established in 1788, and serves as much more than a traditional lending library. The venue houses extensive and unique collections including General Lending, Irish & Local Studies, and the Northern Ireland Political Collection, alongside specialized archives in theatre, performing arts, and literature. Visitors can explore online exhibitions and attend a variety of cultural events and educational classes throughout the year. Families visiting The Linen Hall can enjoy the on-site Linen Hall Café, which provides refreshments in a welcoming indoor environment. The library is pushchair-friendly, making it accessible for visitors with young children. Beyond browsing collections, guests can participate in guided tours, attend exhibitions, and discover the venue's rich heritage while supporting knowledge promotion and cultural preservation in the city. The Linen Hall offers a unique combination of heritage, learning, and leisure, making it an ideal destination for families interested in history, literature, and local culture. With its commitment to opening minds and preserving collections since the late 18th century, the venue provides an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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binta sanyang

3 months ago

Great library. An old collection of books so nothing recent seen there but the building itself is gorgeous. There are quiet places you can hid and so and read. The cafe is nice though the food is over priced. Coffee is average

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Katy “KTG” Griffith

6 months ago

Really interesting exhibition of posters from during 'the troubles'. Free and well worth a look. Apparently theres a really nice cafe here too, but we didnt go. I've heard good things though.

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mike gaston

8 months ago

The Linen Hall Library is pure magic. A absolute must go to for any bibliophile, grandparent on young reader watch, or Burns enthusiast. Admission is free and membership very reasonable. AND there’s a great added inducement now, with the revitalised cafe trading as Chapter Coffee. Brilliant service, great food, excellent coffee at fair prices, lovely ambience and super city centre views.

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Patrick

a year ago

Was in Belfast for a day, but was lucky that I had the opportunity to stumble upon this library. Very cool to come in here and spend an hour or so. Seems like a nice place to study with a rich history. Definitely enjoyed my short time here. You do not need tickets to enter.

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Alan Hongkonger

4 years ago

A privately owned library (the oldest one in Belfast) and museum that is freely open to the public. Nice place to come for relaxation and a bit of quiet reading time. The gift shop is full of goodies so make sure you spend some time there before you leave.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026