Maria Edgeworth Centre

Located in the historic old schoolhouse in Edgeworthstown, the Maria Edgeworth Centre tells visitors the story of the life and times of pioneering novelist Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849). Best known for her novels on Irish life, her work gives plentiful insight into rural and domestic life in Ireland during the time period. 

At the Maria Edgeworth Centre, you will experience the life and times of Maria Edgeworth, as well as other notable figures in the Edgeworth family. The Centre recreates a 19th-century schoolroom, where you will learn about the origins of Ireland’s Hedge Schools, the Edgeworth family's efforts to prioritise education, and their role in establishing the Primary School System in 1831. The museum houses valuable artefacts, some dating back to the 18th century, including desks, school books, maps, and writing copies. 

You can listen to wonderful stories of Edgeworthstown’s past and its connections with historical figures such as Oliver Goldsmith, Sir Walter Scott, William Wordsworth, and Oscar Wilde. The self-guided tour is available in English, Irish, Spanish, German, Italian, French, and Chinese.

Visit MariaEdgeworth.com for more information, including how to book your tour, and information on the Maria Edgeworth Literary Festival which takes place in May every year!

Ahead of your visit, you can also listen to the Longford Tourism podcast episode all about the Maria Edgeworth Centre!