Maria Edgeworth Center: Self-Guided Audio Tour
4.9
9 Ratings
Embark on a self-guided audio tour of the Maria Edgeworth Center and discover the fascinating history of the Edgeworth Family. Learn about Maria Edgeworth's connection with renowned figures like Jane Austen and explore the rich heritage of Edgeworthstown through valuable artifacts and a recreation of a 19th-century school room.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Maria Edgeworth Centre - A self-guided audio tour will lead you through the Life & Times of the Enlightenment figure Maria Edgeworth and will bring her to life in an immersive experience. Learn about the most celebrated English language novelist of her era, a contemporary of Jane Austen and Byron amongst others. Guided and supported by her father Richard Lovell Edgeworth, an inventor, surveyor, and educator, she became one of the most successful authors of her time. 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.

In our recreation of a 19th-century school room, you can hear about the origins of Ireland’s Hedge Schools, the Edgeworth’s efforts to make education a government priority, and the establishment of the Primary School System in 1831, in which the Edgeworth family played an important role. The Museum contains many valuable artifacts, some dating back to the 18th Century.

What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information

Learn about the Edgeworth Family and its most prominent member Maria Edgeworth - a contemporary and friend of Jane Austen. Listen to wonderful stories about Edgeworthstown’s past and its connection with historical figures such as Oliver Goldsmith, Sir Walter Scott and Oscar Wilde. The Centre contains many valuable artefacts dating back to the 18th century. It also houses a recreation of a 19th century school room and explains the establishment of the Irish National School System.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
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Francescabk4878og
Feb 6, 2024
Top notch narrative - We spent three hours discovering the life and works of Maria Edgeworth, wonderfully told through the audioguide, pictures and letters. Time flew!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
George_rstj_talbot
Apr 24, 2023
Stimulating hour in Mostrim - Excellent little museum, exploring the legacy of a remarkable family and their contribution to progressive education.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
806marissah
Apr 13, 2023
Educational Hub in Longford. - Brilliant. Really interesting. Didn’t know that Edgeworthstown was such an educational hub. Really interesting and rare artificers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Midlandspat
Nov 27, 2022
Longford’s hidden gem! - This place is a hidden gem just off the main Dublin Sligo (N4) route. The staff are incredibly knowledgable and passionate, while informing us of the influence that Maria and her family had on the many aspects of life and education while living in Edgeworthstown. Maria Edgeworth was Longford’s answer to Jane Austen. I’d highly recommend a visit, to view the museum, and see some wonderful memorabilia from bygone times
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fidmi
Nov 16, 2022
Jane Austen was her biggest fan! - A highly impressive place. Very interesting to visit. Beautifully maintained with a wealth of information and artefacts - both historic and literary - presented in a clear and engagingly modern manner throughout the museum. Maria Edgeworth and her family had the most interesting of lives, work and connections. One family member was confessor of Louis XVI and Jane Austen was a big fan of Maria's novels! So much to learn here! The centre is readily accessible from the Dublin bypass with free parking out front. There's a cute little cafe on site too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O4705mdkevins
Nov 15, 2022
Wonderful place to visit - What a wonderful experience. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. I was not aware of Maria Edgeworth and her families contributions to society and their contributions to furthering education in Ireland. Well worth the visit
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S_onac2017
Nov 13, 2022
Cozy space off the beaten track - to learn about a contemporary of Jane Austen! 📚 - This is such an amazing amenity right in the town and off the road from Dublin-Sligo. Parking just outside, and open on a Sunday too! Even on the wettest or darkest day this is perfect to pop into a spend a few minutes learning about an incredible local (and internationally renowned!) writer Maria Edgeworth. Really impressive centre and lovely staff members on site who will also guide you elsewhere locally on your travels. Loads of things to look at and learn and really nice break in a longer journey. Would highly recommend as it’s off the beaten track.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kintillah2021
Jun 23, 2022
A museum and tour that do justice to one of Ireland's greatest writers - The Maria Edgeworth Centre is a marvellous small museum that really does justice to various members of the amazing Edgeworth family who were so ahead of their times. However, I particularly want to recommend the guided tour along the Edgeworthstown heritage and Literary Trail. Our guide, Matt Farrell, enthralled our 15-strong group as he led us to the various locations in the town associated with the brilliant Maria Edgeworth, regaled us with stories and gave us the benefit of his great knowledge. Much of the history of landlord-tenant relations in the Ireland of two centuries ago is contained within this tour. What was fantastic for us as a Dublin-based group was to be able to get the morning train to Edgeworthstown, take the two-hour walking tour where we were so entertained and learned so much, catch lunch in the town and get the early afternoon train back home. A wonderful day out that will live in the memory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey64708893006
Nov 10, 2023
Interesting, a glimpse into the past 😊 - The tour was very interesting and helped clarify some of the family tree as I am reading Valerie Packenham's book of Maria's compiled letters. Lots of info packed into one place. Great view of Irish history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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