Hill of Slane, Ireland – Looking Into Irish Legend + Lore

Our trip to the Hill of Slane is one that was completely unplanned. We happened upon this destination because of its proximity to where Matt’s cousin currently lives. She lives in a very small convent in Drogheda and we day tripped up there to visit her and check out some different areas of Ireland. We were going to visit Knowth Passage Tombs, so we picked up Matt’s cousin and another of the sisters from the convent and went on an adventure. They highly recommended visiting the Hill of Slane and I’m so very glad that they did.

THE ST. PATRICK LEGEND OF THE HILL OF SLANE

The Hill of Slane is the location of the miracle of St. Patrick. He lit the first Paschal fire on top of this hill in 433 c.e., even though the pagan king had Lóegaire had called for no other fires to be lit on this day. Lóegaire had lit a fire for the pagan celebration of the spring equinox on the Hill of Tara – about 10 miles away and didn’t want any competing fires. However, he saw from his hill, a fire glowing on the Hill of Slane. According to the sisters we were traveling with, the fire could not be extinguished. That being said, it has not been 100% proven that this is the location of that miracle, but it is what legend says.

ADDITIONAL HILL OF SLANE LEGEND

Another legend attached to the Hill of Slane is that there once was a mythical well on the hill and it had healing powers. This well was used to heal battle wounds of the Tuatha de Danaan. Never head of Tuatha de Danaan? These are the deities of Gaelic Ireland who were often associated with passage tombs – like the nearby Newgrange and Knowth Passage Tombs. It’s a really interesting added piece of legend attached to this stunning hill.

So, Other Than the Legends, Why Visit the Hill of Slane Today?

The beautiful remains of a medieval abbey. The abbey’s finest remain is the beautiful bellower that still stands. today. You can even climb to the top to get a spectacular view of surrounding hills and sites. The abbey’s remains are interesting to explore and they’re 100% free! I definitely love historical sites that are interesting and exceptionally budget-friendly

I would highly recommend a stop here if you’re exploring the Boyne River Valley because it’s a quick, easy place to stop and soak up some Irish mythology and legend. How cool is that?
Left: you never know what (or who) might be lurking at the Hill of Slane. Just kidding, that’s no Tuatha de Danaan, that’s just my father-in-law. // Right: Matt climbing the bell tower to catch a beautiful view! Another thing of note located on the Hill of Slane is St. Eric’s tomb. St. Eric was a pagan, who was said to have been converted by St. Patrick himself. We learned about this after our visit, so we didn’t get to take advantage of this site. However, you can see to the right of this panoramic there’s a cemetery next to the abbey ruins that you’re free to explore. Even if you didn’t have any interest in the history, the views from the Hill of Slane are stunning and worth it. I loved getting into the Irish countryside and really getting to see those famous green fields that are legend in their own right.

WHERE TO STAY IN DROGHEDA

Although Slane is the nearest town Drogheda is where I would stay because it’s near so many other sites in the area. Drogheda is only a 20 minute drive from the Hill of Slane.
THE BUDGET OPTION – SPOON AND THE STARS HOSTEL – You can find a bed to sleep in here for as little as €22 if you’re interested in staying in a dorm. However, private rooms start as low as €65. This hostel gets an 8.2 rating and is located in the heart of Drogheda’s walled city.
THE BEST DOWNTOWN LOCATION – WESTCOURT HOTEL – This hotel gets and 8.4 rating and checks off all the things I look for in a hotel: good ratings, great location (heart of old town), reasonable rates and breakfast available for purchase.
THE QUAINT COUNTRYSIDE OPTION – LISTOKE HOUSE  – This country house looks so cozy. Listoke sits about two miles outside of Drogheda. It’s also very close to the Newgrange + Knowth Passage tombs. I love that this would give a Irish countryside feel in a beautiful home. Plus, it’s affordable and breakfast is included!

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