Edgeworthstown’s tourism industry was given a welcome shot in the arm last weekend as it provided the setting for a hugely successful literary festival. The four day showcase, held in honour of prolific Anglo-Irish novelist Maria Edgeworth, saw visitors from as far as the USA, France, Guiana, Italy, England and Scotland descend on the mid Longford town what was an occasion that came in for universal approval. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO  The weekend took in an eclectic mix of music, readings, workshops, talks, drama much more. It all got underway last Thursday evening with a screening of Requiem for the Big House, drawing a packed and attentive audience for the screening of a documentary which was commissioned by Longford Library, Archive and Heritage Services department of Longford County Council. One of the highlights of the weekend came via an International Conference on Education centred around Maria Edgeworth’s ‘Practical Education’ which was published in 1798 and was the catalyst for the establishment of our primary school system. The organising committee expressed their own satisfaction at the interest shown in an event which attracted over 100 educationalists from Ireland and abroad who discussed various aspects of the book. A panel of International experts highlighted to the audience the significant role played from Edgeworthstown in the field of education during what was an arduous period in Ireland’s history. The six acclaimed educationalists were drawn from all across the globe with praise also coming from attendees who were amazed that a small town like Edgeworthstown could undertake such a major conference, having the facilities to facilitate it and to be able to attract such high-profile speakers. The guests were welcomed by Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Turlough Mc Govern with the conference itself being opened by Senator Micheal Carrigy. One of the aims of the festival was to promote Ireland’s culture, give performers a platform for their work and to highlight the manyplaceholder image
Edgeworthstown’s tourism industry was given a welcome shot in the arm last weekend as it provided the setting for a hugely successful literary festival. The four day showcase, held in honour of prolific Anglo-Irish novelist Maria Edgeworth, saw visitors from as far as the USA, France, Guiana, Italy, England and Scotland descend on the mid Longford town what was an occasion that came in for universal approval. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO  The weekend took in an eclectic mix of music, readings, workshops, talks, drama much more. It all got underway last Thursday evening with a screening of Requiem for the Big House, drawing a packed and attentive audience for the screening of a documentary which was commissioned by Longford Library, Archive and Heritage Services department of Longford County Council. One of the highlights of the weekend came via an International Conference on Education centred around Maria Edgeworth’s ‘Practical Education’ which was published in 1798 and was the catalyst for the establishment of our primary school system. The organising committee expressed their own satisfaction at the interest shown in an event which attracted over 100 educationalists from Ireland and abroad who discussed various aspects of the book. A panel of International experts highlighted to the audience the significant role played from Edgeworthstown in the field of education during what was an arduous period in Ireland’s history. The six acclaimed educationalists were drawn from all across the globe with praise also coming from attendees who were amazed that a small town like Edgeworthstown could undertake such a major conference, having the facilities to facilitate it and to be able to attract such high-profile speakers. The guests were welcomed by Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Turlough Mc Govern with the conference itself being opened by Senator Micheal Carrigy. One of the aims of the festival was to promote Ireland’s culture, give performers a platform for their work and to highlight the many

Major tourism boost for Longford as Maria Edgeworth Festival of Literature & Arts ticks every box possible

By Longford Live Reporter
Published 14th May 2023, 07:00 GMT

Caption: In celebration of the 225th anniversary of Edgeworth’s book ‘Practical Education‘, the 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths. Pictured l to r; Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Senator Micheál Carrigy, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlogh McGovern, Matt Farrell, Ballymahon Municipal District Cathaoirleach Paul Ross and Dr Susan Manly Picture: John McGerr

13.

Caption: In celebration of the 225th anniversary of Edgeworth’s book ‘Practical Education‘, the 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths. Pictured l to r; Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Senator Micheál Carrigy, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlogh McGovern, Matt Farrell, Ballymahon Municipal District Cathaoirleach Paul Ross and Dr Susan Manly Picture: John McGerr

Caption: The 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths and pictured opening the conference is Senator Micheál Carrigy. Picture: John McGerr

14.

Caption: The 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths and pictured opening the conference is Senator Micheál Carrigy. Picture: John McGerr

Caption: In celebration of the 225th anniversary of Edgeworth’s book ‘Practical Education‘, the 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths. Pictured l to r; John McGerr (Festival Committee), Matt Farrell (Festival Committee) Janine Roder (Festival Committee), David Butler (Author), Sinead Hussey (RTE Muidlands Correspondent), Professor Emilie Pine (Author) and Angela Tuite (Festival Committee) Picture: John McGerr

15.

Caption: In celebration of the 225th anniversary of Edgeworth’s book ‘Practical Education‘, the 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths. Pictured l to r; John McGerr (Festival Committee), Matt Farrell (Festival Committee) Janine Roder (Festival Committee), David Butler (Author), Sinead Hussey (RTE Muidlands Correspondent), Professor Emilie Pine (Author) and Angela Tuite (Festival Committee) Picture: John McGerr

Caption:  The 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths. Pictured l to r; Imelda Graham M. Phil, Brian Tuppert Head of Froebel College (Retd), Dr Joanna Wharton, Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Senator Micheál Carrigy, Joanni Etskovitz Phd, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlogh McGovern, Dr Susan Manly, Cllr Mick Cahill and Eamon Brennan Picture: John McGerr

16.

Caption:  The 2023 Maria Edgeworth Festival opened on Friday morning in St Mary's Sports Hub with the staging of an International Conference 'The Education of a Nation” – The Role of the Edgeworths. Pictured l to r; Imelda Graham M. Phil, Brian Tuppert Head of Froebel College (Retd), Dr Joanna Wharton, Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Senator Micheál Carrigy, Joanni Etskovitz Phd, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlogh McGovern, Dr Susan Manly, Cllr Mick Cahill and Eamon Brennan Picture: John McGerr

Previous
4 / 5
Next Page
Related topics:Longford
Powered by
Register
Follow us
© 2026 Formpress Publishing LTD. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice