Welcome to the

Maria Edgeworth Centre

Our Story

... About Us

….Maria Edgeworth

Maria Edgeworth is the essence to the history of Edgeworthstown. And the deeper you dig into learning about this remarkable woman the more amazing it is to consider how little known she is. We feel it is our duty to create a great world-wide awareness of her legacy and that of her family. To share our knowledge  and to network with those interested in history and literature.

“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves”

Explore

... Historical Places in Edgeworthstown

The Maria Edgeworth Centre

… is an inspiring interpretive centre that is home to original exhibits dating back to the 18th century. Uncover the rich history of Ireland’s early education system and the role played by the Edgeworth Family. 

Interactive history tour in Edgeworthstown: Discover one of Ireland’s best kept literary secrets in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Visitors at the Maria Edgeworth Centre on a Heritage Tour in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
Visitors on a Heritage Tour in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Edgeworthstown's Heritage & Literary Trail

Join a local guide and learn about the influential Edgeworth family on one of our Literary Tours of Edgeworthstown. Visit the charming grounds of Maria’s ancestral home, the family grave at St. John’s Church and the 1840’s schoolhouse built under her patronage. Follow in the footsteps of historical figures, like Sir Walter Scott, William Wordsworth, Oscar Wilde and many more. 

“Half the good intentions of my life have been frustrated by my unfortunate habit of putting things off till to-morrow.

Experience

... Our annual Festival

 talks |poetry- and short story competitions |

workshops | readings | historical trails |

musical- and theatre performances |

18th Century Costume Tea Party

Maria Edgeworth Festival of Literature & Arts

every May

“One of the best Literary events on the Irish Calendar and has attracted visitors from all over Ireland and abroad.”

Drama Team at the Maria Edgeworth Literary Festival

“Love occupies a vast space in a woman’s thoughts, but fills a small portion in a man’s life.”

Get to Know

... Maria Edgeworth

Portrait of the Edgeworth family by Adam Buck Photograph - National Gallery of Ireland

Meet the Family

Maria Edgeworth and her family is one of the most remarkable to have lived in any town in the 18th, 19th and early twentieth Centuries. 

Unearth their Peers

The Edgeworth family and Edgeworthstown have had an array of connections to the literary and scientific minds of the 18th and 19th Century.

“Hope can produce the finest and most permanent springs of action.”

Maria Edgeworth

Book

... Tour | Maria Edgeworth Centre

We welcome visitors from around the world. Families, groups and school tours are all welcome and catered for. Children and adults of all ages can enjoy our interactive tours and fascinating displays. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

If you are a tour operator, get in touch today to find out how our team can cater to your tour group needs.

We invite visitors to bring a picnic to enjoy in our adjoining park. Amenities include free parking and wheelchair accessible toilets. Wheelchair access is restricted in the Centre.

Visit Us | Maria Edgeworth Centre

We are located

in Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

15-minute drive from Longford Town

90 minutes from Dublin

On the junction of the N4 and N55

With rail and bus links

Working hours

We are here