Slane (Irish: Baile Shláine) is a village in County Meath. The village stands on a steep hillside on the left bank of the River Boyne at the intersection of the N2 (Dublin to Monaghan road) and the N51 (Drogheda to Navan road).
The village and surrounding area contains many historic sites dating back over 5,000 years. To the north of the village is the top of the Hill of Slane. There are a number of historic sites located around the top of the hill. It is believed that the Hill of Slane was a center of religion and learning for many centuries after St. Patrick. On the west side of the hill there are the remains of a twelfth century Norman motte and bailey. This was the seat of the Flemings, barons of Slane. The Flemings moved to a castle on the left bank of the River Boyne. This is the current location of Slane Castle.
Slane Castle stands on the River Boyne about 1 km upstream from the center of the village. The castle grounds have been the site of large rock concerts since 1981.
There are many other historical sites in the area around Slane. The Brú na Bóinne complex of Neolithic chamber tombs lies on the River Boyne 5 km down river from the village. This includes Newgrange, a passage tomb built c. 3200 BCE
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