A bronze statue of a woman in historical clothing stands beside an arched doorway, surrounded by lush green foliage and a cobbled path.
An historic room with antique furniture, bookshelves filled with books, framed portraits on the walls, a mannequin in a period dress, and various artefacts displayed throughout.
A vintage classroom with wooden desks, a globe, and bookshelves. Large maps hang on the walls, and books and papers are arranged neatly. The room has warm lighting and an old-fashioned atmosphere.
A museum room with framed portraits and historical images on the walls, antique chairs, a vintage desk with old items, a mannequin in period costume, and a window letting in natural light.
Two people stand and smile whilst viewing framed pictures and documents on a wall inside a cosy, well-lit room decorated with art, a red patterned rug, a bench, and historical photographs.
A historical classroom display with wooden desks, benches, old books, maps, and a digital screen showing educational content, evoking an early 20th-century school atmosphere.
A man in a red jacket listens to an audio guide in a museum room, whilst two other visitors explore exhibits in the background. Paintings and framed pictures hang on the walls.
Two children in vintage clothing sit at wooden desks in an old-fashioned classroom, smiling and writing. A map, bookcase, and old books are visible in the background, evoking a historical school setting.

Maria Edgeworth Centre

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Discover the inspiring literary history of Edgeworthstown.

Step into the world of one of Ireland’s most influential writers at the Maria Edgeworth Centre.

Located in a historic old schoolhouse in Edgeworthstown, the centre explores the life, work, and legacy of pioneering novelist Maria Edgeworth (1767–1849).

Why to visit

• Learn how Maria Edgeworth influenced literature, education and social reform.

• Discover the story of Edgeworthstown and its remarkable historical connections.

• Experience a unique attraction celebrating Longford’s rich cultural heritage.

Good To Know

  • Family-friendly cultural and educational attraction
  • Features artefacts dating back to the 18th century
  • Housed in one of Ireland’s oldest surviving schoolhouses. 
  • Learn about Maria Edgeworth, a pioneering Irish novelist and educator.

The Maria Edgeworth Centre offers a fascinating journey through Irish literary, educational, and social history — bringing the world of Maria Edgeworth and 19th-century Ireland vividly to life.

Having trouble with this video?

Some of our older videos do not currently have captions or audio descriptions. These videos provide valuable content for our visitors, and due to the significant cost of producing them, we have chosen to retain them while working toward accessibility improvements. If you would like an alternative version or summary of any video, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

Contact Details

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What to Explore
  • Exhibitions on the life and writings of Maria Edgeworth
  • Insight into 18th and 19th-century Irish rural life
  • Recreation of a traditional 19th-century schoolroom
  • Historic artefacts including desks, books, maps, and writing copies
  • Stories of the influential Edgeworth family
More Info

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!

A historical guided walking tour of Edgeworthstown is also available, exploring local heritage and landmarks. Downstairs rooms are wheelchair accessible. On-street parking is available in front of the Visitor Centre and across the road in the park.

Opening hours

Monday - Closed

Tuesday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long should I allow for a visit?

A: Most visitors spend approximately one hour exploring the exhibitions and self-guided tour.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?

A: Advance booking is not essential for individual visitors, but group visits and specialised guided tours should be arranged in advance.

Q: Is the tour guided or self-guided?

A: Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour with an audio guide available in seven languages. Guided tours can also be arranged.

Q: Is the centre suitable for families?

A: Yes, the centre is family-friendly and offers engaging exhibits for visitors of all ages.

Q: Where is the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre located?

A: The centre is located in Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, approximately 90 minutes from Dublin, with road, rail and bus connections.

Q: When is the Visitor Centre open?

A: The Visitor Centre is open all year, Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm.

The centre is Partially accessible, with some accessible features and facilities available.
Accessibility features available include Step-free access to main entrance and key visitor areas, Accessible toilet facilities, Seating/rest areas available ,Assistance dogs welcome, Accessible website and/or online booking facilities.