Photo Image Name: Meath, Ireland, Slane Hill of Slane - W24144
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Photo of: East Coast of Ireland: Meath: Hill of Slane.
A view of the ruins of the Franciscan Monastery at the top of the Hill of Slane. This was built in 1512 by Christopher Fleming. The bell-tower of Saint Patrick's Church is illuminated.
It is said that in the Fifth century A.D. St. Patrick came to the Hill of Slane in his attempt to convert pagan Ireland to Christianity. On the eve of Easter, 433 A.D., which coincides with the pagan feast of Beltane and the spring equinox, St. Patrick lit a bonfire on the Hill of Slane.
The High King of Ireland at nearby Tara went to investigate. St. Patrick's eloquence (some say through an earthquake, others by holding up a shamrock) convinced the King of his earnest intent and belief in the power of the Holy Trinity. The King took Patrick and his disciples prisoner and they were marched, chanting prayers, to the Hill of Tara. By the next morning, Patrick and his men were spared and allowed to preach Christianity to pagan Ireland.
A view of the ruins of the Franciscan Monastery at the top of the Hill of Slane. This was built in 1512 by Christopher Fleming. The bell-tower of Saint Patrick's Church is illuminated.
It is said that in the Fifth century A.D. St. Patrick came to the Hill of Slane in his attempt to convert pagan Ireland to Christianity. On the eve of Easter, 433 A.D., which coincides with the pagan feast of Beltane and the spring equinox, St. Patrick lit a bonfire on the Hill of Slane.
The High King of Ireland at nearby Tara went to investigate. St. Patrick's eloquence (some say through an earthquake, others by holding up a shamrock) convinced the King of his earnest intent and belief in the power of the Holy Trinity. The King took Patrick and his disciples prisoner and they were marched, chanting prayers, to the Hill of Tara. By the next morning, Patrick and his men were spared and allowed to preach Christianity to pagan Ireland.