ROCK concerts, two fires, one recent, when a castle burned, and one ancient, stoked by St Patrick, mean that most people are familiar with Slane. However, the charms of the village are often ignored.

A three mile village trail, described in a locally available guidebook, outlines much of historical and architectural interest. The view of the stately Boyne flowing under a grey stone bridge, with the woods of Slane Castle demesne in the background, makes a wonderful beginning to the tour, which starts at the car park on the Dublin Road.

Having crossed the Boyne, at the start of the steep ascent, pause to admire the Gothic gate, formerly the main entrance to Slane Castle. Further up the hill the village square or octagon is bounded by four almost identical Georgian houses. One story goes that they were built for the four representatives of religion, medicine, law and order. This tale is scotched by C.E.F. Trench, in his booklet on the village, but he notes that in the latter part of the 19th century the houses were occupied by the local priest, the doctor, the magistrate and the constabulary.

Among other buildings, the Church of Ireland church, built in 1712, is of interest. There are a number of stones inset in the west wall which were taken from an important medieval church in Stackallen, which was demolished in 1959. If you have time, extend your walk to take in the hill of Slane where St Patrick is reputed to have lit the Paschal fire.

The only drawback to the trail is the occasional mouthful of fumes from the juggernauts which thunder through the village.