Slane Village
Slane is probably one of the most impressive villages in Ireland and is a good example of townplanning in the eighteenth century. It stands at the intersection of two main roads, the north/south N2 from Dublin and east/west N51 to Drogheda/Navan.

The outstanding feature of the village is the group of four almost identical Georgian houses, standing across the corners of the intersection. These four houses and the openings to the four roads make the eight sides of an octagon, though it is commonly called the village 'square'. There are many stories as to why the houses were built, the most popular is that they were built for four Conyngham sisters who were not on speaking terms, but in fact there were never four such ladies. Another story is that they were built for the representatives of law, order, medicine and religion.

The two churches in the village bear the name St Patrick, who has deep associations with Slane. The Church of Ireland Church built in 1712 on the edge of the Slane Castle demesne had a steeple designed by Francis Johnston added in 1797.

The building of the Catholic Church and belfry was stared in 1798 by Fr Michael O'Hanlon. This is stated to be the first such belfry erected in the Diocese of Meath since the Reformation.The foundation stone was laid by Lord Mount Charles, son of the Earl of Conyngham from Slane Castle.

The Conyngham Arms Hotel, dates from the middle of the nineteenth century. This is a fine building situated on the main street and displays the arms of Conyngham over the door.

The Conyngham Arms Hotel