The Hill of Slane

The Hill of Slane is strongly associated with St Patrick’s introduction of Christianity to Ireland. It is perhaps best known as the places were he lit his paschal fire in direct defiance of the High King’s pagan celebrations at Tara in the 5 th century. St. Patrick’s choice of Slane was both strategic and symbolic. It is 158 metre high and has stunning views of the surrounding countryside as far away as the Mourne Mountains, Wicklow Mountains and the sea at Drogheda. In ancient times it may have been a burial site for kings, a healing well or location for religious ceremonies. A Franciscan Monastery was built on the site in 1512 and its ruins are still there today.