Clonaslee
The Slieve Bloom Mountains straddle the counties of Offaly (formerly Kings County), Laois (formerly Queens County) and Tipperary. The village of Clonaslee is located in Co. Laois at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The name "Clonaslee" is derived from Cluain na Slighe the meadow by the highway); the highway was the legendary Sli Dala which, in ancient times, linked Tara in Meath with Cashel in Tipperary (Heaney, Paddy. At the Foot of Slieve Bloom : History & Folklore of Cadamstown, Kilcormac Historical Society, undated).
The main street of Clonasee in 2002.
Catholic Church in Clonaslee
The Catholic Church building in the village of Clonaslee is hidden from the road and access is via a narrow pathway - dating back to times when the Catholic church was tolerated by English authorities only if the buildings were not obvious. In contrast, the Church of Ireland building is at the top of the main street. Ironically regular worship continues at the Catholic Church but not at the Church of Ireland. A photograph of the interior of the Catholic Church can be seen separately.
