Rosenallis
Rosenallis, a sleepy village in County Laois, lies midway between the towns of Mountmellick and Clonaslee on the R422.
It's a "blink and you'll miss it" village however like most small villages it still holds a lot of hidden history and has its own story to tell.
In 1654 William Edmundson became the first member of the Society of Friends, colloquially known as the Quakers, to come to Ireland (Lurgan) and then settled with others in 1659 at what is now present day Rosenallis and founded the Quaker movement in Ireland.
The Quakers also expanded nearby Mountmellick from what was a small village into a minor industrial centre such that in the 18th century Mountmellick grew to a population of over 8000 and was know as "The Manchester of Ireland".
William Edmundson is buried in the Quaker graveyard about 200 metres from the village. It is known as "the Friends Resting Place".
Hidden away in Saint Brigid's Catholic Church Rosenallis are three fine examples of early Christian Cross Slabs. My photographs were taken with sunlight coming straight through the window into the lens so are unfortunately very poor.
These Cross Slabs were recovered from the grounds of a nearby Church ruin (Rearymore I think) and moved here. To see them ring the Church to make arrangements to drop in. They are more than happy to oblige.
There is also Saint Brigid's Church of Ireland in the village which has an interesting graveyard at the side of the Church.
Rosenallis is also a seldom visited gateway village to the Slieve Bloom mountains and in particular Capard Ridge (fantastic views and walking or MTB), The Cathole falls (great for a dip if the water is running fresh off the mountains) and Glenbarrow (a beautiful valley walk).
Opposite the Church of Ireland is a small road where you can begin your cycle with a short sharp climb. Happy days.
