 O'Connell attended Miss Everina Wollstonecraft's school, Dublin, in 1810, Edward Whyte's school, Dublin, in 1813, Clongowes Wood College in 1815, Trinity College, Dublin, in 1819, and King's Inns in 1821.In 1832 he married Mary, daughter of Bindon Scott of County Clare, and they had several children.The marriage was unhappy and Maurice is said to have had numerous affairs; some of the stories of his father's womanising are said to be based on Maurice's actions.