Hill of Slane

The Hill of Slane was not on our planned itinerary for today. But when we encountered a road sign pointing to the ruins, we made a detour.

The hilltop is home to two sets of ruins. Those of a 16th century Medieval church with a Gothic tower, and also those of a college, which was founded to serve the church. The latter contains the ruins of a monastery built sometime in the 5th century and a tower house that is from the 16th century.

The Hill of Slane has an important place in Irish spirituality. According to tradition, in 433 AD the first Christian missionary to Ireland lit an Easter Fire where the church now stands. That missionary later became known as St Patrick. In lighting the fire, however, he unknowingly disobeyed the decree of a High King at nearby Tara. The king was pacified when his Druid — Erc — converted to Christianity and was later made the first Bishop of Slane.Read more