Slane is a small Georgian village on the River Boyne in County Meath, and it sits right in the middle of the Boyne Valley’s best-known sights. Slane Castle, the Hill of Slane and Newgrange are all within a few kilometres, and the Hill of Tara is a short drive south. If you are looking for accommodation near Slane, Tower Lodge at Monasterboice is about 20 minutes away by car: a quiet self-catering base for four with the whole valley on your doorstep.
Why stay near Slane?
Slane is one of the most central places to base yourself in the Boyne Valley. Newgrange and the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre are just downriver, the Hill of Tara is about 16 kilometres to the south, and Drogheda and the coast are to the east. Staying nearby means you can see the main sites at a relaxed pace, come back to the same base each evening and avoid long drives in and out of Dublin.
The Hill of Slane
Just north of the village, the Hill of Slane is where, by tradition, St Patrick lit his Paschal fire in 433 in defiance of the High King at Tara. St Erc later founded a monastery on the hill, and the ruins you see today are of a friary church and college built around 1512. The site is free and open to walk around, and on a clear day the views stretch right across the valley. From Slane, head north on the N2 and follow the signs for the Hill of Slane.
Slane Castle
Slane Castle has been home to the Conyngham family since 1703. The castle you see today was largely rebuilt from 1785 to designs by James Wyatt, James Gandon and Francis Johnston, and it sits in a 1,500-acre estate above the Boyne. It is best known for the rock concerts held in its natural amphitheatre since 1981. Public guided tours run on select dates and private tours can be booked year-round on request, so check Slane Castle’s website before you go.
Slane Distillery
Across the courtyard from the castle, Slane Distillery makes Slane Irish Whiskey in the estate’s restored 18th-century stables. It is a joint venture between the Conyngham family and Brown-Forman, the Kentucky company behind Jack Daniel’s. Tour arrangements have changed in recent years, so book ahead through Slane Irish Whiskey rather than turning up on the day.
The Francis Ledwidge Museum
About a mile from the village on the Drogheda road, the Francis Ledwidge Museum is the cottage where the First World War poet was born in 1887. Ledwidge wrote about the Boyne Valley countryside and was killed in Belgium in 1917. The restored labourer’s cottage opened as a museum in 1982 and holds his poems and wartime artefacts. Check the museum’s current opening hours before you visit.
Is Slane close to Newgrange?
Yes. Newgrange is only a few kilometres down the river from Slane. All visits start at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre near Donore, with a shuttle bus to the monument, and tours must be booked in advance. Our guide to visiting Newgrange explains how it works.
A day around Slane
Start with a morning Newgrange tour, then drive to Slane for lunch in the village. Walk up the Hill of Slane in the afternoon, and call in to the Francis Ledwidge Museum on the road back towards Drogheda. Finish at Monasterboice’s round tower and high crosses in the evening light, right beside the lodge. For more routes, see our Boyne Valley day trips and our long weekend in the Boyne Valley.
Where to stay near Slane
Tower Lodge is a restored barn beside the Monasterboice round tower, about 20 minutes by car from Slane. It sleeps four in a king room and a twin room, with a full self-catering kitchen and parking at the door. It suits couples, families and friends who want a quiet countryside base for Slane, Newgrange, Drogheda and the rest of the Boyne Valley.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tower Lodge from Slane?
About 20 minutes by car. Tower Lodge is at Monasterboice, north of Drogheda, just off the M1.
Is the Hill of Slane free to visit?
Yes. The Hill of Slane is an open site with no admission charge. Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be uneven and wet.
Can you visit Slane Castle?
Yes, on a guided tour. Public tours run on select dates and private tours can be booked year-round on request. Check the castle’s website for dates.
How far is Slane from Newgrange?
Only a few kilometres. Newgrange tours start at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and must be booked in advance.
