Celebrating Maria Edgeworth’s Belinda
Celebration of 225 Years of Maria Edgeworth’s Belinda March, 26th 2026 – Dublin This year marks the 225th anniversary of Maria Edgeworth’s book ‘Belinda’. Published in 1801, it was her first romantic novel. ‘Belinda’ was controversial and modern for its time. It boldly is mentioning social taboos of the time, same sex relationships and interracial […]
Jane Austen’s Emma: From Longford to Sotheby’s
Jane Austen’s Emma: Longford Connection Reignited with Sotheby’s Sale of Edgeworth Book As 2025 draws to a close, we also mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. This milestone reminds us of her fascinating connections to Longford, which played a significant role in her life. A Brief Romance in Longford In January 1796, Thomas […]
Discovering Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands: A Visit to Fore Distillery
A hidden Gem in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands During our recent trip through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Matt and I discovered a true treasure tucked away in the peaceful countryside of County Westmeath — Fore Distillery. Surrounded by rolling hills and ancient ruins, this small-batch distillery captures the spirit of Ireland’s midlands perfectly: authentic, welcoming, and steeped […]
1833 Edition Presented to Maria Edgeworth Centre
1833 edition of Maria Edgeworth’s Patronage, exploring themes of class and influence, enriches the collection at the Maria Edgeworth Centre. The Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown recently welcomed Marie Tierney from Australia, who returned to her family’s hometown with a very special gift. Marie Tierney, once a resident of Tierney’s shop on Main Street, Edgeworthstown, […]
Edgeworth, Madame de Genlis and Lord Edward Fitzgerald
Edgeworth, Madame de Genlis and Lord Edward Fitzgerald: A Web of Revolutionary Ideas A Remarkable Gift Sparks a Historical Connection On Thursday 21st August, the Centre received an unexpected and remarkable gift. Éamon de Búrca of De Búrca Rare Books donated a rare eight-volume set of the Memoirs of Madame la Comtesse de Genlis. Even […]
Regency History in Edgeworthstown
Regency History in Edgeworthstown: Celebrating Maria Edgeworth’s Legacy A Fascinating Talk on Jane Austen’s Favourite Author in Dublin On 17th June 2025, our Edgeworth Society members: Matt, Angela, Michael and Goretti travelled to Dublin to attend a captivating talk at the National Library of Ireland. The presentation, “Jane Austen’s Favourite Author: Maria Edgeworth of County […]
The Brontë Connection: A Remarkable Literary Legacy
Maria Edgeworth’s Gift Book and the Brontë Connection: A Remarkable Literary Legacy The rich literary heritage of Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, is once again in the spotlight thanks to a recently rediscovered treasure — a rare 1832 first edition of Garry Owen or The Snow Woman by Maria Edgeworth. This beautifully preserved book has not only […]
Visual History Heritage Week
A recreation of the 1803 event where Richard Lovell Edgeworth sent a message by his telegraph from Dublin to Galway
Festive Things to Do Longford
BOOK NOW Festive Things to Do in Longford: Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Maria Edgeworth Centre Looking for unique festive things to do in Longford this holiday season? The Maria Edgeworth Centre in Longford, nestled in Ireland’s Midlands, is the ideal family-friendly destination. With its rich history and seasonal charm, it’s a perfect spot for […]