Few monastic sites in Ireland are as historically significant, and as stunningly beautiful as the ancient site at the Hill of Slane.
Rising more than 158 metres (more than 500 feet) above the village of Slane, this is the site chosen by St Patrick to light the Paschal Fire in the year 433 AD. According to the 7th century monk Muirchu, St Patrick chose the Hill top to light his fire and this fire was seen by High King Laoire from the Hill of Tara some 10 miles away. King Laoire was said to have been infuriated (as he - and only he - had permission to light a fire to officially mark the spring feast of Bealtaine) and despatched a number of his men to investigate who had lit the fire. It is said that the dispute ended amicably with Patrick being allowed by Laoire to continue to spread the Christian message and even one of the King's own men - Erc - rejected paganism to convert to christianity.
In a later picture you can see two standing stones which are reputed to mark the final resting place of St Erc.
It is also said to have been the burial spot of Slaine Mac Dela, the Fir Bolg King, who was the first King of Ireland some 1,500 years BC.
The views from the Hill of Slane are superb. One of the really nice things about the Hill of Slane is that it is free of charge...nobody is there trying to sell you stuff...it's just you and the Hill ... there is no 'Tourist Experience'...It's just a very special place.
DIY 5x4 camera
f150; 0.3mm pinhole diameter
Fomapan 100 rated @ 50iso and developed for 30 mins in Rodinal 1:100 semi stand
Exposure times between 12 seconds to 8 minutes depending on the light (All pics in the series)
Berlebach 3032 tripod
Pic 1 - The Hill of Slane
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Pic 2 - The Abbey
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Pic 3 - The Abbey cellar
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Pic 4 - The Abbey - stonework
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