to Ireland, the counties, the geography - the people and most imporatantly for all of you - the parishes............differences in placenames as well...........can be gathered by reading through Lewis's Topographical Directory of Ireland. In this work - two volumes, published in 1837 - there is so much information - that people ignore, because they simply don't realise it's importance. There are places described in Lewis and the placename is not to be found in Sean Ruad's IrlAtlas - Lewis gives a name and says 'or' another name. Lewis names the churches associated with a parish, he distinguishes between the established church and the R.C. parish...............he tells us where chapels of ease are..............it's so hard to explain to you all exactly what is in Lewis. For some places names - it will only be a few lines - but then for others there is so much more - the gepgraphy - those illusive placenames - the history - the industries in the area - how many cabins, houses. You learn about specific places in Lewis - but then, if you care to read through all the other places mentioned for that county - you get more of a feel for the county as a whole. Ramble over :-) I've loaded a few pieces from Lewis to my various county pages - Laois included. Laois, I have a lot for, I could load much more, it depends on the interest. Jane http://www.from-ireland.net/lewis/allcounties.htm