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.

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 Visit

  • Discover the origins of Ireland’s Hedge Schools
  • Learn about the Edgeworth family’s role in education reform
  • Ideal for literature lovers, students, and history enthusiasts

Good To Know

  • Family-friendly cultural and educational attraction
  • Features artefacts dating back to the 18th century

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.

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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!

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