← All events
heritage · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Time TBC 
Celtic Kindness: Turlough O'Carolan's Life in Music, Poetry and Story
At Maria Edgeworth Centre · Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford
At Maria Edgeworth Centre · Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford
The Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown turns its attention to one of Irish music’s most celebrated figures on Thursday 20 August 2026, with “Celtic Kindness,” a session exploring the life of blind harper and composer Turlough O’Carolan through music, poetry and story. O’Carolan is widely regarded as Ireland’s national composer, and the Centre’s programme sets his life alongside its usual literary focus on Maria Edgeworth and her family.
O’Carolan travelled Ireland as an itinerant harper in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, composing tunes for the landed families who hosted him, many of which, including “Carolan’s Concerto” and “Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór,” remain part of the traditional repertoire today. This session is billed by the Centre as combining music with poetry and storytelling to bring his life and work to a Longford audience. Full details of the format, timing and any performers involved have not yet been published by the Centre; the listing currently confirms the date only, marked as details to follow. As with the Centre’s other heritage programming, advance booking is likely to be recommended once the full details are released, so checking closer to the date is worthwhile for anyone planning to attend.
The Maria Edgeworth Centre is Edgeworthstown’s home for literary and cultural heritage, and this O’Carolan event sits alongside its regular programme of talks and workshops. There is more to see in Edgeworthstown and across Co. Longford.
Heading to Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown? Longford has plenty more to see. Read the Edgeworthstown area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
In town for Maria Edgeworth Centre? These Dublin tours book out in summer.