Slane Castle Walk
This historic castle is located in the beautiful River Boyne Valley of County Meath.
The castle grounds make for a fine little walk with footpaths to follow through Little Glen Wood and down to the river which flows along the southern edge of the site. Slane also includes a natural amphitheatre where many popular concerts and other events have been held.
The circular trail starts at the car park taking you past the 18th century fortification and the distillery where Slane Irish Whiskey is brewed and matured. Guided tours are available at both these sites.
You can continue your walking in the area along the Boyne Valley Walk. This takes you from Navan to Knowth along the riverside and canal towpaths that run through the area. At the eastern end of the route you will find another local historic highlight at Knowth. The noteworthy ancient site contains around one-third of all known megalithic art in western Europe.
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
For more local history head south to the Hill Of Tara. The hill is one of several noteworthy ancient sites in the Boyne Valley. You can enjoy a stroll around the scenic hill which is the site of some of the most significant archaeological finds in Ireland. Near here is the medieval Trim Castle where there are some pleasant grounds and more riverside trails.
Head east and you will soon come to the coast where you could try a popular coastal walk on the Skerries Beach Walk. There's nice beaches, island views, a pier and seals to look out for in the harbour of this attractive area. Near Skerries there's also Balbriggan where you can visit the historic Ardgillan Castle. The 18th century country house is surrounded by a splendid 200-acre public park with beautiful gardens, sea views and miles of fine walking trails to try.
To the north east there's the Rathescar Lakeside Walk to try. The pretty lake has a pleasant waterside path and nature trails through peaceful woodland.
To the east is the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne. The area includes an excellent visitor centre and a number of walkways taking you around the site of the historic 17th century battle. There are also pretty gardens and walks along the River Boyne and the Boyne Canal. You can reach the site from nearby Drogheda by following the Drogheda Boyne Greenway west from the town. The shared cycling and walking trail utilises sections of boardwalk and riverside paths along the River Boyne to reach the battlefield. It's a pleasant way to reach the site without a car.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
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The castle has been the family seat of the Conyngham family since it was built in the late 18th century, on land first purchased in 1703 by Brig.-Gen. Henry Conyngham
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 is responsible for the gothic gates on the Mill Hill.
The Conynghams are originally a noble Scottish family, and first settled in Ireland in 1611 in County Donegal. There has been an active association between the Conynghams and the Slane Estate dating back over 300 years, ever since the property was purchased by the family following the Williamite Confiscations in 1701.
In 1991, a fire in the Castle caused extensive damage to the building and completely gutted the Eastern section facing the River Boyne. With the completion of the 10-year restoration program in 2001, Slane Castle has once again opened its doors.
20180403 143532 Slane Castle
Taken from the south side of the Boyne. The natural amphitheatre where concerts are held is on the right. The river is patrolled by jetskis during concerts to stop people trying to sneak backstage (and drowning themselves in the process).
Inside the distillery
The Boyne Upstream of Slane Castle