|
| |
|
GRANARD AND EDGEWORTHSTOWN |
| |
|
|
| |
If you continue on the N4 from Carriglas Manor, you'll reach GRANARD
, about fifteen miles from Longford. A famous harp festival ,
originating in 1781, took place here and was revived in 1981. Nowadays
it spreads over the second weekend of August, starting on the Friday
afternoon with competitions, street entertainment, seisiúns and ceilidhs
. Lessons on the harp can be arranged on the spot and usually start on
the Friday morning. Two campsites are set up for visitors (during the
festival only); or you can stay at Houricans Hotel on Main St (tel
043/86041; £33-40/¬41.90-50.79), though for genuine rural hospitality
head a mile out of town to Toberphelim House (tel 043/86568;
£33-40/¬41.90-50.79). The biggest Norman motte in Ireland is sited at
Granard, with yet another statue of St Patrick on top. The site is said
to date back to 5 AD, and to Cairbre, eldest son of Niall of the Nine
Hostages.
Finally, it's worth noting a couple of Longford's other literary
connections, centred on Mostrim or EDGEWORTHSTOWN , about ten miles
southeast of Longford town on the N4. The town takes its name from the
family name of Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849), who, in her day, was an
extremely famous author. Castle Rackrent , perhaps her most famous book,
was written just before the Act of Union of 1801. Although its
caricatures of both the Irish and Anglo-Irish can veer uncomfortably
close to stage Irishry, it's a hilariously ironic and oddly prophetic
insight into a chaotic Anglo-Irish lifestyle that was disappearing even
as she wrote. The town now is little more than a crossroads and
Edgeworthstown House is used as a nursing home. Maria's father, Richard,
was a keen inventor and the house had a water pump which dispensed coins
to beggars in return for a stint at the handle. It also boasted central
heating, and at one time was the only house to have it in this part of
Ireland. The Edgeworth family vault can be seen in the graveyard of St
John's Church, on the N4 south to Mullingar. Oscar Wilde's sister Isola
is also buried here, and one of his most touching poems, Requiescat ,
was written in her memory.
|
| |
|
