New Slane Historic Trail a welcome addition to village

Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin was in Slane on Sunday to formally launch the Slane Historic Trail, a self-guided historical tour of Slane Village developed by Meath County Council, Meath Tourism and the Slane Historic and Tourism Committees over the past number of months. The historic trail is a welcome addition to the village which this year celebrates its 250th year as an estate village. Local organisations turned out in force on Sunday to welcome the minister and learn more about the Slane Historic Trail. Slane has a rich history and this new historic trail recognises the heritage of the village through the 17 historic points now marked out through plaques and panels. The historic trail began as an application for funding to Fáilte Ireland by Meath County Council. The successful application forms part of the Historic Trails Initiative introduced by Fáilte Ireland through the NDP last year, which made funding available to provide a range of tourist signage to develop self-guided historic trails. Launching the Slane Historic Trail, Minister Hanafin said: "It is very encouraging to see the local community working together with Meath County Council to develop this historic trail. Fáilte Ireland has invested in 43 historic trails nationwide and it is this type of investment that will encourage visitors to stop off in our towns and villages and spend some time exploring and enjoying some quality time. In turn, the local economy will benefit from these visitors some of whom will no doubt stop for the cup of coffee, lunch or dinner or to buy the gift as a momento. All of which generates extra business in the area." The Slane Historic Trail highlights the main historic sites in Slane through a series of plaques and panels in the village. Some of the points include the Hill of Slane, where St Patrick is reputed to have lit the first paschal fire and introduced Christianity to Ireland; Slane Mill, which is a fine example of Georgian industrial architecture, and Slane Castle, an iconic attraction and well-known the world over for its legendary music concerts. Speaking at the event, Meath County Council cathaoirleach Cllr Ann Dillon Gallagher expressed her delight at seeing the completion of such a valuable project during the 250th anniversary of Slane as an estate village. "I have no doubt that this initiative will further enhance the attractiveness of the town as a visitor location and improve the overall tourism product on offer," she said. This heritage trail is the second in a series of three historic trails including Trim (launched last December) and Kells (due to be launched), which have been developed by Meath Local Authorities with the financial assistance of Fáilte Ireland. Close to 250,000 people visit the iconic attraction of Bru na Boinne each year and the local attractions of the hill of Slane, Slane Castle, Ledwidge Cottage Museum and Battle of the Boyne Centre along with this new heritage trail offer a greater tourism experience in encouraging visitors to remain in the area and contribute to the local economy, its proponents claim.