Hill of Slane

The Hill of Slane is my favorite location in Ireland. There is a lot of myth and legend surrounding it. In pre-Christian times, it was the burial place of Slaine, king of the Fir Bolg. Many of the area's prehistoric sites are also visible from the top of the Hill and are in an astronomical alignment. In Christian times, the Hill of Slane is the site where Saint Patrick lit a Paschal fire on Easter in 433 A.D. in defiance of High King Loegaire, who decreed that no other fires should burn in the vicinity of the great festival fire on the Hill of Tara. One legend says that upon seeing this fire, King Loegaire sent one of his druids to the Hill to investigate. The druid confronted Patrick about the fire, and Patrick told him that the fire meant that Christianity would be the religion of the people of Ireland from then on. In response, the druid used his arcane powers to call down a snow to put out the fire. However, Patrick and his faith were more powerful than pagan magic, and the fire melted the snow. Thus, Christianity has burned in the hearts of the Irish ever since. That charming story aside, King Loegaire was so impressed with Patrick's faith and eloquence that he allowed him to continue his missionary work in Ireland.

Slane Abbey was built upon the Hill of Slane in the 16th century. Saint Patrick originally built a wooden church on this site.

There is a cemetery here along with a monument to Saint Patrick. Most of the church is in ruin, but the bell tower remains in tact.

The picture above was taken from the top of the tower in the college next door to Slane Abbey. The college is also in ruin, but was once an important place of learning.

The Hill of Slane is also notable because at least ten counties of Ireland are visible from the top. Some say sixteen counties, but ten is the accepted number.