Libraries to visit Belfast

This sandstone and granite building typical of Victorian public buildings opened as Ireland's first library in 1888. It has three floors with a grand staircase, a reading room on the ground floor and an exhibition gallery on the top floor. The library has an extensive archival collection of Northern Irish music and Ulster and Irish studies. Local and Irish newspapers dating back to the 17th century are also available for consultation. A quiet place to soak up the past.