Slane

Slane ( Irish: Baile Shláine ) is a small town in the Republic of Ireland with 1099 inhabitants ( 2006); compared to the 2002 census, the population has increased by 276 persons or 33.5%.

The village is located in County Meath, on the banks of the River Boyne, near the prehistoric cult sites of the Brú na Bóinne. To achieve Slane is via the N2 from Dublin and the N51 from Navan.

West of the town is Slane Castle, a neo-Gothic castle from 1785, a devastating fire that fell victim in 1991 and, after many years of repair work in 2001 again completely restored. The system of Slane Castle is the annual venue for major pop and rock concerts, designed by music greats such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, U2, the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Santana. Average 80,000 people visit the concerts each year.

The center of the resort forms a junction was built at the four corners of each a Gregorian house. All four houses are aligned exactly on the intersection. According to a local legend, the houses are said to have heard four feuding sisters who did not want to let each other out of sight.

Of historical importance is the Hill of Slane ( Mullach Bhaile Shláine ), which lies about a kilometer north of the village on the N2. Since the hill from the Hill of Tara from is good to see, it is believed that there were cultic compounds in pre-Christian times between the two hills. This may have prompted the Saint Patrick to ignite on the Hill of Slane, the first Easter fire. He founded a church on the hill, which later, after his death, a monastery was. Slane lost in the 12th century, its status as a bishopric and monastery fell into disrepair. At the same place, built in the 15th century Sir Christopher Flemmyng a Franciscan collegiate, whose remains can still be seen today. Because of his views, the tower is often visited by tourists.

Slane is the birthplace of the poet Francis Ledwidge, who lived from 1887 to 1917.