Welcome to Slane

Slane is a charming little townland in County Meath, Ireland. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Imagine a time when knights and castles were the norm. In Slane, you'll find a grand old castle, Slane Castle, which was home to the Conyngham family for many generations. This castle wasn't just a home, but also a place where big decisions were made!

The most exciting thing about Slane's history is the Hill of Slane. This small hill is a very special place because, long ago, a brave man named Saint Patrick lit a bonfire there. This wasn't just any bonfire. This fire was lit to challenge the ancient Celtic kings and to spread the message of Christianity. This was a bold move as it was against the rules set by the king. But Saint Patrick was not afraid. His bonfire could be seen from miles away and it marked the beginning of a new era in Ireland.

So, even though Slane might seem like a quiet little place, remember, it's filled with stories of bravery and history that changed all of Ireland!

  1. Who lived in Slane Castle?
  2. What is the Hill of Slane?
  3. Why was Saint Patrick's bonfire significant?
  4. Why do you think Saint Patrick decided to light the bonfire despite knowing it was against the king's rules?
  5. How do you think the history of Slane influenced the history of Ireland as a whole?

All About Slane

Slane is a lovely village in County Meath, Ireland. It's found nestled near the River Boyne, a river famous for its history and beauty. This river is like the village's own backyard where people can fish, play, and relax.

Like many Irish villages, Slane has unique and charming streets. One famous street is the Chapel Street, which has the lovely Church of St. Patrick. There's also the Slane Castle that hosts exciting concerts sometimes!

The countryside around Slane is rich and green, full of wonderful plants and animals. You might spot cows grazing in the fields, and if you're really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a playful fox or a darting hare! The hedgerows are filled with blackberries in the autumn - but remember to wash them before you eat!

Near Slane is the Hill of Slane. It's not a mountain, but it is a high point where you can see for miles around. It's a beautiful place for a picnic with friends.

Slane is a wonderful place filled with history, nature, and friendly faces. It's a perfect place to learn and explore for us!

  1. What are some of the unique features of the village of Slane?
  2. Describe the River Boyne and its significance to the village.
  3. Explore the area around Slane and write about a geographical feature you find interesting.
  4. Using a map, can you identify and describe the location of Slane in relation to other nearby towns or landmarks?
  5. What kind of wildlife can you find in the countryside around Slane?

My Family and Slane

Hi, I'm Ira and I'm 8 years old. I live in a village called Slane in Co. Meath. It's a super cool place to grow up in! It's really green and full of history. There's this massive hill nearby called the Hill of Slane. It has ruins of an old church and a graveyard at the top. It's a bit spooky, but I love going there because you can see the whole village from up there.

One of the coolest things about Slane is the Slane Castle. It's like a real-life castle from the fairy tales! They say there's a secret passage in the castle, but I haven't found it yet. I am determined to find it one day! There are also loads of concerts at the castle. I haven't been to one yet, but I hope to go when I'm older.

My friends and I also love playing near the River Boyne. It's really fun to skip stones and watch them bounce across the water. Sometimes, we even see fishes jumping out of the water. Growing up in Slane is awesome and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

  1. What am I determined to find at the Slane Castle?
  2. Where do I love to go because I can see the whole village from there?
  3. What do my friends and I love to do near the River Boyne?
  4. What is awesome about Slane?
  5. What is one thing that I hope to do when I'm older?

The Logainm of Slane

Slane is a lovely village in County Meath, Ireland. The name "Slane" comes from the Irish word "Sláine", which means "health". The place is very special, not just because it's beautiful, but also because it's full of history.

Long, long ago, there was a king named Sláine mac Dela. He was the very first High King of Ireland. Some people believe that our village was named after him. King Sláine was said to have magical powers and could heal the sick. That's why the name of our village means "health".

Slane is also known for the Hill of Slane. It's a big, tall hill where Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, is said to have lit a Paschal fire. This was a brave act that marked the beginning of Christianity in Ireland.

Today, Slane is still a place of health and history. We have a beautiful castle called Slane Castle. It's not just a historic site but also a place where concerts are held. Famous bands like U2 have played their music there. So, from King Sláine to Saint Patrick, and now to the music concerts, Slane's story continues.

  1. What does the name "Slane" mean in English?
  2. Who was Sláine mac Dela and what is his connection to the village of Slane?
  3. What important event took place on the Hill of Slane and who was involved?
  4. What is Slane Castle used for today and can you name a famous band that played there?
  5. How has the village of Slane's story continued from the time of King Sláine to the present day?

Slideshow - Slane
A full set of teaching plans for teaching about Slane