The Hill of Slane rises 158 metres above the surrounding countryside and is visible from the Hill of Tara, some 16km away. Among the ruins on the hill stands a well-preserved tower from a Franciscan Monastery built in 1512. This monastery was constructed on the site of an earlier foundation associated with St Erc, a follower of St Patrick.
The remains of a former college can also be seen. Built to accommodate four priests, four lay brothers and four choristers, it was commissioned by the Fleming family Barons of Slane from the 11th to the 17th century for the Franciscans. The Flemings’ coat of arms is still visible on the west wall of the college quadrangle.
Just thirty years after its foundation, the monastery was dissolved under King Henry VIII, who seized its lands and assets. It was later restored by the Flemings in 1631 and became home to Capuchin monks, who remained there until they were driven out by Cromwell’s forces in 1651.
A little-known fact
A ceremonial lighting of a great fire on the Hill of Tara then the seat of the High King took place every year at the spring equinox, and no other fire was permitted to be lit until the Tara blaze was seen.
According to legend, in 433 St Patrick defied this rule by lighting a Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane. Although High King Laoire was enraged at first, he was ultimately so impressed by Patrick’s courage and devotion that he allowed him to continue his missionary work in Ireland.
