LAOIS HISTORY INDEX

Diocese of Cashel & Ossory

Cashel, Ossory, Waterford, Ferns, Lismore & Leighlin

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Profile

The United Diocese of Cashel and Ossory encompasses six Dioceses Cashel, Waterford, Lismore, Ossory, Ferns & Leighlin.  The bishop is Bishop John Neil who resides in Kilkenny.  The ancient cathedrals remain in use in Kilkenny, Lismore, Old Leighlin and Ferns.  In Waterford and Cashel there are eighteenth century cathedrals, though that in Waterford incorporates part of its medieval predecessor.  The United Dioceses covers an area of over four thousand square miles and covers all or some of seven counties: Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Tipperary, Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford.  At Seir Kieran, it even retains a small island parish in Co. Offaly.

More information about the Church of Ireland can be found at: http://cashel.anglican.org/Diocesan%20Profile.htm

Portlaoise Group

The principal town of County Laois, Portlaoise was known as Maryborough until independence in 1922. It was originally designed as an outpost for defence of the settlers, and it has played a significant role in the history of Ireland. You can see evidence of the town's long history in the remains of the old town walls and a circular tower. Notable buildings range from St Peter's Church, which was partly designed by James Gandon, to the modern County Hall, purpose built as the headquarters of Laois County Council.

Ballyfin house is one of the finest neo-classical houses in Ireland, and its grounds are equally impressive. In Ballyfin village you can see a fine example of a late barn church.

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Address: The Rectory Coote Street Portlaoise Co Laois IRELAND

Tel 0502 21154

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The Church of Ireland Dioceses