Armagh Robinson Library

The Armagh Robinson Library stands in the heart of Armagh, a city known for its ecclesiastical heritage. Founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, it began as a private collection before opening to the public. The library holds around 45,000 works covering science, theology, medicine, history, travel, law and history. Coins, medals and maps are also part of the displays. Nearby St Patrick’s Cathedral keeps some of Robinson’s original books on view. The Long Room hosts temporary exhibitions alongside the archbishop’s archaeological collection. A notable item is a copy of Jonathan Swift’s *Gulliver’s Travels* with his handwritten notes. The Rokeby Collection of prints is kept at No 5 Vicar’s Hill, an extension of the library’s holdings. Visitors find the Long Room and its changing exhibitions the main attraction. Robinson’s books in St Patrick’s Cathedral link the library to the city’s past. The mix of rare books, prints and artefacts offers a quiet but rich insight into the archbishop’s wide interests.