Don’t let the quiet village setting fool you! The area offers an abundance of activities for all ages and all tastes, ranging from a thrilling day out at neighbouring Tayto Park, to spending a day exploring the rich history in the area from Newgrange, to the Hill of Tara and beyond. Immerse yourself in the historical depth that the Royal County and Ireland’s Ancient East has to offer.
Take time to meander along the river Boyne and enjoy to sights and serenity of our local ramparts walks. Or walk up the Hill of Slane and around the ruins of the castle where St Patrick is said to have lit a Paschal fire in defiance of the High King Laoire.
A short stroll from the Old Post Office will find you at the gates of Slane Castle, home to much history and many concerts, as well as the more recent addition of the Slane Whiskey Distillery. A zero waste, self-sufficient facility, which is most definitely worth a tour and perhaps a cocktail to round off your day.
After a day of exploring and excitement, you can slow down your pace and dine in one of the village restaurants. The village also offers a number of small pubs which guarantee a warm welcome, a cosy snug and of course, a fine pint of Guinness.
Recommended Dining Options
Conyngham Arms Hotel:
Directly across the road from the Old Post Office, the hotel serves Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. With Afternoon Tea served Wednesday-Saturday.
Things to see and do nearby:
Tayto Park
A 20 minute drive from Slane, Tayto Park is Ireland’s only Theme Park, offering over 100 attractions and a fantastic day out for families.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the access point for guided tours of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth — Ireland's world-famous Neolithic monuments. The most famous of these being Newgrange, a 5,200 year old passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley and most definitely one to visit while in the area.
www.worldheritageireland.ie/bru-na-boinne
Slane Castle and Distillery
Situated in a dramatic setting by the river Boyne and either a short drive or 10 minute walk from the Old Post Office. Guided tours are offered of both Slane Distillery and Slane Castle.
www.slanecastle.ie/tours
www.slaneirishwhiskey.com/distillery
Hill of Slane
Located a short stroll from the Old Post Office, the Hill of Slane is steeped in history and well worth a visit to take in the history and the view on offer. On the Hill of Slane, St Patrick is said to have lit a Paschal fire in defiance of the High King Laoire. There is also a playground at the foot of the hill.
https://www.boynevalleytours.com/hill-of-slane.htm
Oldbridge House & Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
Oldbridge House and gardens is located at the Battle of the Boyne site, just a 10 minute drive from Slane. Here you will find a visitor centre, audio visual show, original and replica 17th Century weaponry displays, laser battlefield model, a tea pavilion, Victorian gardens and battle site walks.
Trim Castle
A 30 minute drive from Slane, Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. Offering tours of the castle itself and wonderful walkways in the village, along with a very spacious playground and lovely coffee shops, Trim is well worth a visit.
www.heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/trim-castle
Hill of Tara
A 20 minute drive from Slane, the Hill of Tara is a much celebrated site for Irish mythology and legend.
www.heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/hill-of-tara
Headfort Golf Club
For the golfing enthusiast, Headfort Golf Club is an outstanding 36 hole parkland complex, dominated by magnificent specimen trees and river scenery. Both courses take full advantage of the natural beauty of one of Ireland’s oldest and finest estates.
Headfort welcome visitor guests.
Local walks
There are some fabulous local walks in and around Slane.
The ramparts - on one side, this will take you towards Newgrange, and the other, will take you along the castle grounds. Both meander along the Boyne with beautiful serenity, definitely worth a stroll.
Littlewood forest – is just outside the village, again offering a lovely peaceful but shorter walk
For further details on things to do, you can either pop into the Slane Visitor Centre in the village or take a look at the below tourism websites.