Francis Ledwidge Museum & War Memorial Centre

The poet Francis Ledwidge was born in Slane on 19th August 1887. The museum is open 7 days 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 5.00pm and is situated 1 mile from the village of Slane on the Drogheda Road.

Tours can be booked in advance and there are special rates for schools and teachers.

Below is one of Francis’ many poems dedicated to his love Ellie Vaughey.

Spring Love

I saw her coming through the flowery grass

Round her swift ankles butterfly and bee

Blent loud and silent wings; I saw her pass

Where foam-bows shivered on the sunny sea.

Then came the swallow crowding up the dawn,

And cuckoo-echoes filled the dewy South.

I left my love upon the hill, alone,

My last kiss burning on her lovely mouth. [Abridged]