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St. Patrick has become synonymous with things Irish; from shamrocks
to the shortage of snakes on this Isle, but there was a time when
he was viewed as a foreign Christian missionary come to convert
Ireland’s Celtic pagans. This he did with great symbolic flare.
As the Druids celebrated their feast day on the Hill of Tara, Patrick
prepared the Easter feast on the Hill of Slane. He lit his paschal
fire at Slane, before the Druids could kindle their sacred fire
at Tara. Seeing the flames at Slane, the Druids, warned Laegaire,
the High King, that if Patrick’s fire was not put out immediately,
it would burn forever in Ireland. The rest is history.
Hill of Slane
Home to 15th century Slane Abbey. St. Patrick lit his Pascal Fire
on the Hill of Slane, in direct opposition to the pagan beliefs
of the High King.
Located just outside Slane off the N2
Open - All year Admission free
Slane Castle
Situated in the Boyne valley overlooking the River Boyne just a
few miles upstream from the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne,
Slane Castle in its existing form was reconstructed under the direction
of William Burton Conyngham, together with his nephew the first
Marquess Conyngham. The reconstruction dates back to 1785 and is
principally the work of James Gandon, James Wyatt and Francis Johnston.
Francis Johnston, one of Ireland's most distinguished architects,
is responsible for the most dramatic gothic gates on the Mill Hill.
Open from May-mid August. Access by guided tour only.
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