Things to do in Slane

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Slane

Types of activities

Slane travel guide

Newgrange is a prehistoric monument in County Meath. It was built during the Neolithic period around 3200 BC making it older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids. The site consists of a large circular mound with a stone passageway and interior chambers. The passage to the interior chamber it is aligned to face the rising sun and its light floods the chamber ONLY for a few days each side of dawn on the winter solstice.

Grazing sheep unaware they graze next to Newgrange, one of the oldest prehistoric monuments in Ireland. #green

The Boyne Valley is breathtaking. Newgrange is a must see. You must go through the Visitors Center & purchase a time ticket.mFar different from my last visit when we just pulled in & walked around.

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Slane

Popular places to visit

Newgrange

Visit a vast burial mound that was built around 3200 B.C., and has an internal chamber that’s illuminated by the winter solstice.

Slane Castle

Just half an hour outside of Dublin and set in the midst of a 1,500 acre estate in the Boyne Valley is the beautiful Slane Castle. The castle has been the home of the Conyngham family since the 18th Century, with the major castle reconstruction work taking place in 1785 carried out by James Gandon and James Wyatt.

Knowth

Find out about the history of Slane when you take a trip to Knowth. Savour the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.

Brú na Bóinne

Explore the great outdoors at Brú na Bóinne, a lovely green space in Slane. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Hill of Slane

Find out about the history of Slane with a stop at Hill of Slane. Savour the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.

Mellifont Abbey

Find out about the history of Slane when you take a trip to Mellifont Abbey. Savour the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.

Slane Distillery

You can take time to visit Slane Distillery during your travels to Slane. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

St. Erc's Well

Find out about the history of Slane when you take a trip to St. Erc's Well. Savour the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.

Francis Ledwidge Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Francis Ledwidge Museum during your trip to Slane. Savour the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.

Ruins of Bective Abbey dating primarily to the 15th century. This site was used during the shooting of the movie Braveheart

Navan

Above the entrance to the passage at Newgrange there is an opening called a roof-box. Its purpose is to allow sunlight to penetrate the passage and chamber at sunrise around the Winter Solstice. At 8:58am a narrow beam of light penetrates the roof-box and reaches the floor of the chamber, gradually extending to the rear of the passage. As the sun rises higher, the beam widens within the chamber so that the whole room becomes dramatically illuminated. After 17 minutes the sunbeam leaves the chamber and retreats back down the passage.

Donore

Frequently asked questions

Is Slane worth visiting?

Whether you're coming to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Slane.

How do I spend a day in Slane?

Slane Castle and The Zone are two good places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Slane while you're in town too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Slane?

The top tourist attraction in Slane is Slane Castle, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Slane?

You can easily tour leading sights like Slane Castle, Slane Distillery and Knowth with a three-day trip to Slane. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Dublin.

What are some activities to do in Slane with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Slane with kids.

What to do in Slane for adults?

There are lots of things to do in Slane, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Slane Distillery or Francis Ledwidge Museum.

Are there free things to do in Slane?

In Slane, Hill of Slane is a popular spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Slane.