The library of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has existed for almost 300 years. There is evidence in the College minutes of the College owning books since at least 1710, but the true foundation of the College’s library is considered to be the bequest of the large personal library of Sir Patrick Dun, one of the most distinguished early Presidents, who died in 1713. The College Library has had the official title of Dun’s Library ever since.
In the 1960s in was decided that it was no longer possible to maintain Dun's Library as a current medical library, and the focus of the library was changed to be medico-historical. Dun's Library contains a large collection of works relating to the history and development of medicine in Ireland, and this section is constantly being added to. Dun's Library also holds runs of over 400 different medical titles from the 18th century to the present day. As well as complete runs of standard titles, the library also contains substantial holdings of many short-lived English language journals and major foreign language journals from the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of them unique in Ireland.
Catalogues
Dun’s Library is currently undertaking a major project to e-catalogue its entire holdings of some 30,000 volumes. At present just over 8,500 items have been catalogued. The online catalogue can be accessed via the link below. If you can’t find the item you are looking for in the online catalogue then please contact us and we can check the the card catalogues of additional material.
Click here to access the online catalogue
Adopt a Book Programme
The preservation and conservation of the Heritage Centre's unique collections is an ongoing challenge. To help meet the challenges in this area the Heritage Centre runs an Adopt a Book Programme which encourages individuals to sponsor the conservation of volume from Dun's Library. More details of the programme can be found here.
Contact Us
For enquires relating to the Dun’s Library or to make an appointment please email heritagecentre@rcpi.ie or phone +353 (0) 1 6698817.
The Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:30 p.m., by appointment only.
Before coming to visit the Heritage Centre please take the time to read our Access Guidelines and Rules for Researchers.
Collection Development
Dun's Library continues to collect books, journals and pamphlets relating to the history of medicine in Ireland, as well as early medical works which complement the existing collections. Our collections development policy and donations can be discussed in confidence with the Heritage Center staff, please email heritagecentre@rcpi.ie or phone +353 (0) 1 6698817.