Marsh’s Library is a beautifully-preserved building from the early eighteenth century, built by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh (1638-1713). It was the first public library in Ireland opening in 1707 and contains original oak bookcases which house more than 25,000 rare and fascinating books. It was designed by Sir William Robinson (d.1712) the Surveyor General of Ireland, and is one of the very few 18th century buildings left in Dublin that is still being used for its original purpose. Famous readers have included Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and James Joyce.