Slane Farm Hostel

Most visitors to this part of Ireland come to see mighty and ancient Newgrange and Knowth, just outside Slane village a few kilometres away from ; to see all on offer in the area, call into the hostel reception for bundles of tourist info for guests to use. The Newgrange stones, a UNESCO Word Heritage Site, are known as 'Ireland's national monument' and are thought to be about four hundred years older than Stonehenge: go to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre at Donore village first to find out more and buy a ticket for a guided tour. Tickets include access to Knowth, the three hundred decorated stones that make up the biggest group of Megalithic art in western Europe, and the mound and 115 stones at Dowth. The hill of Tara, seat of Ireland's ancient king (Gone With the Wind fans might recognise the name too) is a short drive from the farm, as is Trim Castle and its ancient town within about 15 minutes' drive. Other nearby options are the Battle of the Boyne site and visitor centre, Mellifont Abbey and Monasterboice, the ruins of a fifth century Christian settlement. Dublin is about 45 minutes to an hour away by car, or around an hour and three-quarters by bus from Slane village.