The Hill of Slane
About
The Hill of Slane rises a short way north of the village off the N2 Collon road, and on top is a cluster of ruins: the tower and walls of a Franciscan friary church dating from 1512, built on the site of a monastery traditionally founded by St Erc, a follower of St Patrick, and beside it the shell of a college the Fleming barons of Slane built for four priests, four lay brothers and four choristers. The Fleming coat of arms is on the west wall of the college quadrangle. On the western side of the hill are the remains of the Flemings' twelfth-century motte. The story everyone knows is that Patrick lit his Easter fire here in defiance of the High King at Tara, which is legend rather than record, but stand on the top and the geography makes sense of it: the Boyne valley opens out below, and on a clear day the land runs away to Drogheda and the Hill of Tara. Access is free. Park in the small car park at the foot and go through the gate. The Hill of Slane Tours volunteers have run free 40-minute guided walks on Sundays at 2pm from April to October, meeting at the gates, and take group bookings year round through the Slane Hub.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Friary church tower of 1512 and the ruined college beside it
- ✓Fleming coat of arms on the college wall
- ✓View over the Boyne valley toward Drogheda and Tara
- ✓Remains of the Fleming motte on the western side
Tips
- →Free guided tours have run on Sundays at 2pm, April to October, from the gates. Confirm with the Slane Hub on +353 41 982 4000 before planning around one.
- →The ground is grass and uneven; wear shoes you do not mind getting wet.
Best Season
More Heritage Activities
Slane Castle
The Conyngham family home since 1703 and Ireland's best-known concert venue. Open by appointment only: private tours from €150 for up to six, booked a week ahead.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, for Newgrange and Knowth
The only way into Newgrange and Knowth: the OPW visitor centre at Donore, with shuttle buses to the monuments on booked guided tours.