Slane Castle Tours and Activities

Slane Castle
Slane Castle
Slane Castle
Slane Castle
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.

In 1991, a terrible fire ravaged the castle, destroying much of the interior and requiring an extensive 10-year restoration project to bring back its former glories. The work was meticulously carried out and much of the original detail and design lovingly reimagined.

These days, as well as being a fascinating historical building, Slane Castle is also a prestigious concert venue, hosting gigs by legendary bands such as U2, the Rolling Stones and Queen. The capacity of 80,000 makes it one of the biggest venues in Ireland, with its proximity to Dublin being a real draw.

Just up the road from the Neolithic temple site at Newgrange, this little part of the Boyne Valley is dripping with history and interesting places to visit. Take the N2 north from Dublin to get to the region, enjoying a great day out from the city.

Slane Castle nestles in a natural amphitheatre providing a stunning example of 18th century architecture. Seasonal tours are available, plus the chance to taste the whiskies that are produced on the estate, all just a short distance from the capital.

Plan a trip to see Slane Castle

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Best Lodging Options Near Slane Castle

Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown

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Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown by IHG

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Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport

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Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport

4 out of 5
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The Metro Hotel Dublin Airport

The Metro Hotel Dublin Airport

4 out of 5
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Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport by IHG

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Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Slane Castle

At Slane Castle in County Meath, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided castle tours, historic explorations, and evening events. The castle is also renowned for hosting concert gigs, providing unique experiences in a stunning setting. Nearby, you can indulge in golfing and sailing, making it a perfect destination for a well-rounded vacation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Navan Town Centre, located 9.7km from Slane Castle, offering a variety of shops and family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Dundalk Retail Park and Northlink Retail Park are 21 and 35.4km away, respectively, featuring diverse shopping experiences.

Recreation

At County Louth Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes, only 19.3km from Slane Castle. For sports enthusiasts, Pairc Tailteann, located 11.3km away, offers an exciting stadium atmosphere. For relaxation, visit Rathbeggan Lakes, 111.3km from Slane, perfect for unwinding amidst nature.

Adventure

At Funtasia Waterpark, located 12.9km from Slane Castle, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. The Girley Bog Eco Walk, also 12.9km away, offers a scenic hiking trail surrounded by breathtaking nature. For adrenaline junkies, Athboy Karting Centre, 30.6km away, promises exciting karting adventures.

Nightlife

In Slane Castle, The Zone provides an exciting arcade experience with a family-friendly vibe just 12.9km away. For a more romantic evening, Triton Casino in Bettystown, 20.9km away, offers gaming excitement, while Mac Anna Theatre, 32.2km away, showcases cultural performances for entertainment enthusiasts.

Find the best attractions near Slane Castle

Slane Castle, located in County Meath, offers a rich blend of culture and outdoor experiences for visitors. Explore the stunning castle itself, the scenic Slane Castle Estate, and the historic church nearby. Don't miss out on local events and the beautiful Slane Demesne, perfect for family outings. Whether you're seeking a cultural adventure or a relaxing day in nature, Slane has something to offer everyone.

  • Newgrange: Experience the ancient wonder of Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 6.4km from Slane Castle. This impressive passage tomb, dating back over 5,000 years, offers a glimpse into Ireland's rich cultural history and is renowned for its winter solstice phenomenon, where sunlight illuminates its inner chamber.
  • Emerald Park: Located 19.3km away, Emerald Park is an exciting theme park perfect for families. Enjoy thrilling rides, entertaining attractions, and beautiful landscaped gardens, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all ages looking for fun and adventure.
  • Battle of Boyne Visitor Centre: Situated 9.7km from Slane Castle, this visitor centre immerses you in the history of the 1690 battle. With engaging outdoor exhibits and interactive displays, it’s ideal for those seeking adventure and a family-friendly experience.

Best time to go to Slane Castle

Visitor numbers around Slane Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Slane Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
September54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Slane Castle

To save money during your visit to Slane Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Navan Town Centre and the Boyne River Valley. The best time to visit is from December to February when accommodation prices drop. For the best hotel deals, book about a month in advance or look for last-minute offers on Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Also, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Slane Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Slane Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Slane Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Slane Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Slane Castle hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.