Hill of Slane | Discover Boyne Valley Meath, Ireland

Hill of Slane

  • Opening Hours
  • 24/7

  • Admission Costs
  • Free

  • Directions
  • View location on Google Maps here 

    From Dublin head north on the N2 to Slane. Drive straight through Slane and about 600 metres after the crossroads take the first left sign-posted Hill of Slane. Drive up here to the car-park. Walk straight across the field. The mound is situated in the trees behind the monastic site.

    From Navan head east on Kells Road toward Flower Hill, Turn left onto Flower Hill, at the Roundabout take 3rd exit onto Slane Road/N51, continue to follow N51, at Slane Village turn left at the traffic lights about 600 metres after the crossroads take the first left sign-posted Hill of Slane. Drive up here to the car-park. Walk straight across the field. The mound is situated in the trees behind the monastic site.

    From Drogheda Head west on Patrick Street toward George's Street, Turn right onto George's Street, Continue onto North Road, Continue onto R132, At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto N51, Go through 2 roundabouts, approaching Slane village take the right at the traffic lights, about 600 metres after the crossroads take the first left sign-posted Hill of Slane. Drive up here to the car-park. Walk straight across the field. The mound is situated in the trees behind the monastic site.

  • Slane, County Meath

  • Region: Slane ,
  • Slane
  • +353 (0) 41 9824000 - Local tourist office
  • slaneforummail@gmail.com
  • https://www.discoverboynevalley.ie

The Hill of Slane rise 158m above the surrounding countryside and can be seen from the Hill of Tara, 16km away.

A well-preserved tower is to be found among the ruins of a Franciscan Monastery, dating from 1512, itself built on site of a monastery founded by St. Erc, a follower of St. Patrick.

The ruins of a college, built to house four priest, four lay brothers and four choristers, also remain. These were built by the Flemings (Barons of Slane from the 11th – 17th Centuries) for Franciscans; the family coat of arms can be seen on the west wall of the college quadrangle. Thirty years after its foundation, the monastery was dissolved by King Henry VIII, its land and wealth appropriated. In 1631, the Flemings restored the monastery. It became home to Capuchins monks, who in turn, were driven out in 1651 by Oliver Cromwell.


Listen to some wonderful audio on the Hill of Slane - part of the Boyne Valley Drive

Hill of Slane Image
Did You KNOW?

A ceremonial lighting of a great fire on The Hill of Tara (then the seat of the High King) occurred every spring equinox: it was forbidden to light any other fire until this on was ablaze. Legend suggest that, in 433, in defiance of the pagan High King Laoire, Patrick lit a Paschal fire of the Hill of Slane. Though angry, Laoire was so impressed by Patrick’s devotion he allowed him to continue his missionary work.

Heritage Categories
Town
Telephone
+353 (0) 41 9824000 - Local tourist office
Email Address
slaneforummail@gmail.com
Address

Slane, County Meath

Directions

View location on Google Maps here 

From Dublin head north on the N2 to Slane. Drive straight through Slane and about 600 metres after the crossroads take the first left sign-posted Hill of Slane. Drive up here to the car-park. Walk straight across the field. The mound is situated in the trees behind the monastic site.

From Navan head east on Kells Road toward Flower Hill, Turn left onto Flower Hill, at the Roundabout take 3rd exit onto Slane Road/N51, continue to follow N51, at Slane Village turn left at the traffic lights about 600 metres after the crossroads take the first left sign-posted Hill of Slane. Drive up here to the car-park. Walk straight across the field. The mound is situated in the trees behind the monastic site.

From Drogheda Head west on Patrick Street toward George's Street, Turn right onto George's Street, Continue onto North Road, Continue onto R132, At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto N51, Go through 2 roundabouts, approaching Slane village take the right at the traffic lights, about 600 metres after the crossroads take the first left sign-posted Hill of Slane. Drive up here to the car-park. Walk straight across the field. The mound is situated in the trees behind the monastic site.

Opening Hours

24/7

Admission Costs

Free

Latitude
53.717194217890764
Longitude
-6.5431438949987974
Region
Images
GPS: 53.717194217890764, -6.5431438949987974

In this Area

Slane Distillery
Region: Slane

Boyne Valley Brewing, Cider Making & Distilling Tours

View

Slane Castle
Region: Slane

Music, Arts & Irish Culture

View

Pat's Art Studio
Region: Slane

Crafts & Retail

View

Lucy O'Gorman Ceramics
Region: Slane

Crafts & Retail

View

Newgrange Farm
Region: Slane

Adventure Activities & Family Fun

View

Hill of Slane Tours
Region: Slane

Tour Guides

View

Shine Craft and Gift Shop
Region: Slane

Country Markets – Crafts & Food | Crafts & Retail | Cultural Tourism Attractions | Photography

View

Sonas Craft Studio
Region: Slane

Crafts & Retail

View

Slane Distillery
Region: Slane

Boyne Valley Brewing, Cider Making & Distilling Tours

View

Conyngham Arms Restaurant
Region: Slane

Hotel Dining | Restaurants

View