2026 marks the 225th anniversary of Maria Edgeworth's novel ‘Belinda’, which was published in 1801 as her first romantic novel and was considered controversial for its time due to its themes of social taboos, same-sex relationships, and interracial marriage. To commemorate this milestone, the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre organized a press launch on March 26th at Dubray Books in Grafton Street. This episode reflects on that day.

Maria Edgeworth Centre

Join me as we relive three memorable days in May of the 2026 Maria Edgeworth Festival—a celebration of literature, history, art, music, and community in Edgeworthstown.

Don't forget to check out our event pages for upcoming events

Maria Edgeworth Center

Taking a look at Maria Edgeworth's novel Belinda - celebrating the 225th anniversary of it's publication. This episode takes a look at the book and it's legacy.

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In the 19th Century schools were very popular in the Parish, from hedge schools conducted in 'mud walled cabins' to well built slate roofed buildings, education was being provided in the area to children of all denominations. This episode delves more in the early history of the Maria Edgeworth Center, and it's time as a school.

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An imaginary interview with the author Maria Edgeworth, giving us her perspective on her life.

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As it is close to Halloween and as a change of pace we offer this short ghost story set in a haunted museum. We hope you enjoy it.

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Attribution for sound effects used in this podcast.

StormyEveningIndoors.wav by DJCdelaHaye -- https://freesound.org/s/398353/ -- License: Attribution 3.0

Lightning strike 2 by alexdarek -- https://freesound.org/s/646912/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Angry Door - Wooden Entrance Open Close Slam Hard B.wav by hisoul -- https://freesound.org/s/462664/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

horror laugh original - 132802__nanakisan__evil-laugh-08.wav by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/133674/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

evil laugh-08.wav by Nanakisan -- https://freesound.org/s/132802/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

This episode reflects on the influence Maria Edgeworth has had on education, illustrated by three very different schools in North and South America.

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Exploring the connections made with France by various members of the Edgeworth family during the 18th and 19th centuries.

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