Slane

Forest Walk - Balrath Wood

Balrath can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, the ideal time to visit Balrath is in late summer/early autumn when there are plenty of leaves and some fruits/nuts on the trees, some wildflowers still in bloom and also some insect life to be seen. Spring and summer are also good times, especially to see woodland wildflowers in their natural habitat.

Littlewood History

Littlewood Forest is located on the N2 Collon Road, 1 mile from Slane Village and provides a fantastic amenity for walkers. The forest covers 28 hectares (70 acres). Today it comprises a varied mix of conifer and broadleaved tree species. 

Download map here

The poet Francis Ledwidge was born in Slane on 19th August 1887. The museum is open 7 days 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 5.00pm and is situated 1 mile from the village of Slane on the Drogheda Road.

Tours can be booked in advance and there are special rates for schools and teachers.

Below is one of Francis’ many poems dedicated to his love Ellie Vaughey.

Spring Love

I saw her coming through the flowery grass

Round her swift ankles butterfly and bee

Blent loud and silent wings; I saw her pass

For a real sense of war visit the Irish Military War Museum, Ireland’s largest private military collection housed in a 5,000 sq ft ‘hands on’ museum.  WW1 and WW2 trenches and vehicles, original decommissioned weapons and equipment.  This is a fantastic educational and historical resource for people of all ages and from right across the island of Ireland and beyond.  The Museum also houses one of the finest collections of WW2 Allied and Axis vehicles and all deactivated weapons ever assembled in Ireland. Family friendly park with petting farm, playground and assault course.

Listoke Distillery & Gin School - Now open for distillery tours as well as being the only gin School in Ireland, Listoke 1777 has become one of Ireland's most sought after visitor experience. 

Visit the school for a history of gin, gin tasting and an introduction to all that is gin. 

Located in Slane's Arty Quarter, Pat, a local artist, paints and exhibits his work in a friendly, inviting studio. Pieces include a broad selection of oil paintings and drawings. 

Seascapes and cityscapes are included, as are figures and a variety of themed works. 

Feel free to browse and chat with no obligation. You are also invited to view his extensive Adventures Travelogue

​Overlooking the River Boyne, just a few kilometres upstream from Newgrange and the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne, Slane Castle in its existing form was constructed under the direction of William Burton Conyngham, together with his nephew the 1st Marquess Conyngham. The reconstruction dates back to 1785 and is principally the work of James Gandon, James Wyatt and Francis Johnston. Francis Johnston was also the architect responsible for the gothic gates on the Mill Hill, located to the east of the castle.

Slane Distillery

Slane Irish Whiskey is a world-class working Distillery and state of the art visitor centre. It is located opposite the Castle Courtyard, in a restored 18th century stable yard. Slane Distillery is a joint venture between the Conyngham family of Slane Castle and the Brown-Forman Corporation of Kentucky, USA, owners of the Jack Daniel’s brand. Alex Conyngham, current Earl of Mount Charles and son of Lord Henry, is Managing Director and co-founder.

One of Ireland’s most well-known towns, Slane has been shaped by centuries of continuity, personal commitment and constant reinvention. Legend says that over 1500 years ago, St Patrick lit a fire that signalled a transformation in Ireland’s identity.