Hill of Slane
Hill of Slane
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
183 reviews
Excellent
109
Very good
57
Average
15
Poor
0
Terrible
2
geismom
Sinking Spring, PA1,715 contributions
Jul 2022
We easily walked to the top from the village center. We were told that the road was very steep, but we had no difficulty, even in the hot weather.
One reaches a parking lot with a turn gate where you enter the field that leads up to the cemetery. The cemetery also had a turnstile gate for entry. It is still an active cemetery, so please respect any visitors who are there to tend the graves of loved ones.
The views on the day we were there were outstanding, as the skies were exceptionally clear. We were alone to enjoy the vistas until someone came to tend a grave. Then, a tour bus showed up with a large group, but we had spent enough time enjoying the views.
There is no charge to enjoy these phenomenal views.
One reaches a parking lot with a turn gate where you enter the field that leads up to the cemetery. The cemetery also had a turnstile gate for entry. It is still an active cemetery, so please respect any visitors who are there to tend the graves of loved ones.
The views on the day we were there were outstanding, as the skies were exceptionally clear. We were alone to enjoy the vistas until someone came to tend a grave. Then, a tour bus showed up with a large group, but we had spent enough time enjoying the views.
There is no charge to enjoy these phenomenal views.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shaun M
Eugene, OR212 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We’re lucky we have a car and we are doing well muddling along (between the opposite side of the road to usual and the quirky signs). Many things are closed in January but the tourist office in Slane was open. The delightful woman there gave us detailed information about the area (and warned us most things like Slane Castle and the local coffee place were closed) and directions to get up the hill to the Hill of Slane. The view from there is breathtaking. The light when we were there today was inspiring; I could imagine St. Patrick lighting the pascal fire a top the hill. The remaining rocks and headstones don’t seem to mind the intrusion and some locals throwing balls for their enthusiastic dogs was a fun addition. I could have stayed there all morning. Well worth the visit.
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Niamh H
8 contributions
Aug 2021
Walk across a field to the ruins on the top of the hill. There is an incline but not too steep. Visit at dusk to see the ruins lit up with blue spot light. The view is amazing from the top. We think that we could see Newgrange in the distance.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kris M
Omaha, NE132 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
This place is another wonderful place to wander and absorb history. Abbey and church ruins, with accompanying cemetery, on a picturesque hill with a great view of the surrounding countryside. We were there by ourselves so it was even better to wander alone and not have to deal with others. It’s definitely worth the short drive!
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cary L
San Diego, CA702 contributions
Sep 2019
Just outside the small town of Slane and overlooking the Boyne Valley and its ancient burial mounds, this hill is the site of St. Patrick's first call to the people of the region to convert. Today, the view is spectacular. The hill is crowned with the ruins of an ancient monastery. Well worth the brief drive up, when visiting Newgrange or other historic sites in the area.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland8,612 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Enjoyed a first visit to the Hill of Slane in a long, long time today. It's as beautiful and peaceful as I remember with mesmerising views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
It's an ancient religious site dating from the 5th century when St Patrick lit the fire here to rival that of King Laoighre who had his pagan fire on the Hill of Tara some 15km away.
5th century yes but the current church ruin dates from the 15th and there's an enchanting college beside it that was run by the fathers in ancient days.
Decent sized car park and a few display boards to aid your visit Free to enter. Beautiful, spiritual place. Well worth your time.
It's an ancient religious site dating from the 5th century when St Patrick lit the fire here to rival that of King Laoighre who had his pagan fire on the Hill of Tara some 15km away.
5th century yes but the current church ruin dates from the 15th and there's an enchanting college beside it that was run by the fathers in ancient days.
Decent sized car park and a few display boards to aid your visit Free to enter. Beautiful, spiritual place. Well worth your time.
Written April 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly L
Rochester, NY10 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Just not worth the risk. Our belongings were locked out of sight in the trunk of our rental car and while we were up on the hill, thugs smashed our window, released the back seat and took 2 backpacks containing personal items, ID, credit cards and passport. Don't park here. Quite an ordeal to experience.
Written June 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fáinleog
GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS6,742 contributions
Traditionally this is the Hill where St Patrick lit the Paschal Fire in defiance of the High King of Ireland, Loegaire, who, with his followers was preparing to celebrate a pagan festival on nearby Tara. St Patrick was brought before the King, but through his eloquence (it is said this is when he used the shamrock to explain the Trinity), he was allowed to go free and continue preaching Christianity throughout the Isle.
However, the Hill has a much older history; this is where one of the Fir Bolg Kings, "Slaine" is said to have been buried, and there are also tales that the legendary Tuatha de Danaan visited the Hill to heal their wounds in a magical well.
St Erc founded a monastery on the Hill, but the buildings that remain today date from the 1500's. The Fleming (or Flemmyng)family built a Franciscan friary and next to it, a small college to house priests, lay-brothers and choristers.
We visited on a rather dreary, grey August afternoon and found just a couple of other visitors at the site. The views of the surrounding countryside are breathtaking, and stretch as far as the Irish Sea. Newgrange and Knowth can also be seen in the distance.
This is a lovely spot; our children had great fun exploring the ruins of the College; look out for the carving of the dragon and way up high, see if you can spot the gargoyle staring down at visitors!
Directions:
The Hill is sign-posted from Slane and parking is available for several cars. It is a short easy walk up a gentle slope from the car park to the ruined buildings.
However, the Hill has a much older history; this is where one of the Fir Bolg Kings, "Slaine" is said to have been buried, and there are also tales that the legendary Tuatha de Danaan visited the Hill to heal their wounds in a magical well.
St Erc founded a monastery on the Hill, but the buildings that remain today date from the 1500's. The Fleming (or Flemmyng)family built a Franciscan friary and next to it, a small college to house priests, lay-brothers and choristers.
We visited on a rather dreary, grey August afternoon and found just a couple of other visitors at the site. The views of the surrounding countryside are breathtaking, and stretch as far as the Irish Sea. Newgrange and Knowth can also be seen in the distance.
This is a lovely spot; our children had great fun exploring the ruins of the College; look out for the carving of the dragon and way up high, see if you can spot the gargoyle staring down at visitors!
Directions:
The Hill is sign-posted from Slane and parking is available for several cars. It is a short easy walk up a gentle slope from the car park to the ruined buildings.
Written October 16, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Simon G
Dublin, Ireland170 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
We visited the Hill of Slane today. It is fabulous. But the car park is targeted by thieves. We left our car for about 30 minutes while we visited the site (which was excellent) and returned to find the window of our car smashed and all our possessions stolen. The guards arrived quickly and were very nice but this is clearly a regular occurrence and it is not safe to leave your car in the car park. There are signs in the car park warning you but you never think it is going to happen. Apparently it happens all the time. And you can’t visit the site without leaving your car so I would say just don’t do it. Pity as we really enjoyed our time there until we returned to our car.
Written January 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
El H
Australia404 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
From this beautiful hill, it provided a view to die for the near on 360 degree view of surrounding countryside....(on a clear day that is we were blessed with one)
Toward the East you can easily be seen the mounds of Newgrange and Knowth the passage tombs (also worth a visit) and the Irish Sea beyond. The view north extends as far as Slieve Gullion (well into Northern Ireland), south you can see as far as the Sugarloaf Mountain in Wicklow (clear day permitting) and the west offers view of the midlands of Ireland.
It is a site which is sacred to Saint Patrick, the importance of the Hill of Slane can be traced back into prehistory, it is said possibly as far back as the Neolithic. In ancient history/mythology, the Fir Bolg king Sláine was said to have been buried here. Christian history the hill became established as the place where St. Patrick lit the first paschal fire in direct defiance of the pagan kings at nearby HIll of Tara.
After some research though I found there is some conjecture as some archaeologists have suggested the Paschal Fire may have been lit at Brú na Bóinne, and possibly Knowth, instead of Slane.
Not withstanding the historical debate over exact placement of the fire this site is a wonderful place to visit ... we did it with Beautiful Meath Tours which made the visit stress free...
Toward the East you can easily be seen the mounds of Newgrange and Knowth the passage tombs (also worth a visit) and the Irish Sea beyond. The view north extends as far as Slieve Gullion (well into Northern Ireland), south you can see as far as the Sugarloaf Mountain in Wicklow (clear day permitting) and the west offers view of the midlands of Ireland.
It is a site which is sacred to Saint Patrick, the importance of the Hill of Slane can be traced back into prehistory, it is said possibly as far back as the Neolithic. In ancient history/mythology, the Fir Bolg king Sláine was said to have been buried here. Christian history the hill became established as the place where St. Patrick lit the first paschal fire in direct defiance of the pagan kings at nearby HIll of Tara.
After some research though I found there is some conjecture as some archaeologists have suggested the Paschal Fire may have been lit at Brú na Bóinne, and possibly Knowth, instead of Slane.
Not withstanding the historical debate over exact placement of the fire this site is a wonderful place to visit ... we did it with Beautiful Meath Tours which made the visit stress free...
Written June 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marc G
Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium49 contributions
Do you know local volunteers give very interesting free tours on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 2pm?
And they do it for free.
TGC
Bangor, UK637 contributions
Sorry don't know.
Ask Collette at the Slane Tourist Info Office
WorldWideWeb visitslane (.)ie/
+353 41 982 4000
Kimberly
20 contributions
How long do you think this attraction would take to see? 2 adults only.
Mark_A_Tennant
Stromness, UK20 contributions
You could walk from the car park up the hill and back again in an hour but to see all the 'sights' you should allow another hour to do it justice.
BarryStraughan
Edmonton, Canada6 contributions
What is the admission for this site and how long does it take to get to the Hills of Tara from here? Is it better to view the Hills of Slane or the hills of Tara first when coming from Tullynally Castle Gardens? Thank you in advance.
Brendan M
Drogheda, Ireland319 contributions
It's free (as is Tara). From Tara to Slane is about 20mins. Tullynallen is quite a bit further away and the route is along narrow roads. So the route is:
Tullynallen ->90 mins-> Tara -> 20mins -> Slane
Gretchen47
La Mirada, CA4 contributions
How is the best way from Dublin for a family of four to get to the Hill of Slane? Rent a car? Public transportation?
Pat R
12 contributions
There is a very regular bus service from Dublin to Slane. Once in the village of Slane it's about 1 1/2 mile walk to the top of the hill. I think you should hire a car and check out some of the other sites in the area eg Bru na Boinne and Slane Castle
Hill of Slane
Frequently Asked Questions about Hill of Slane
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- Hotels near Hill of Slane:
- (1.06 mi) Rock Farm Slane
- (0.60 mi) Conyngham Arms Hotel
- (0.56 mi) Castleview House B&B
- (0.61 mi) The Failte B&B
- (2.91 mi) College Hill House And Gardens
- Restaurants near Hill of Slane:
- (0.50 mi) Inside Out
- (0.51 mi) George's Patisserie
- (0.60 mi) Conyngham Arms Restaurant
- (0.37 mi) Romayo's Slane
- (7.25 mi) Room 8