The Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre

The Maria Edgeworth Centre, in County Longford, is located in one of Ireland’s oldest school buildings that opened in 1841. Using a combination of audio, imagery and interactive displays, the centre tells the story of the Edgeworth family and the origins of the National School system. You will also learn about the role the family played in the educational, scientific, political and cultural life in Ireland. Maria Edgeworth was a notable pioneer of literature and education, a feminist and a social commentator of her time. Audios and displays are available in seven languages. Visitors can also view the poignant permanent exhibition ‘Scenes from a Disembodied Past’ by artist Bernard Canavan. The exhibition tells the story of emigration from Ireland in the 1950s. Edgeworthstown is known as "the Town of Great Writers". You may book a guided tour of the Literary and Historical Trail at the Maria Edgeworth Centre, which is the starting point of the town tour.