We easily walked to the top from the village center. We were told that the road was very steep, but we had no difficulty, even in the hot weather. One reaches a parking lot with a turn gate where you enter the field that leads up to the cemetery. The cemetery also had a turnstile gate for entry. It is still an active cemetery, so please respect any visitors who are there to tend the graves of loved ones. The views on the day we were there were outstanding, as the skies were exceptionally clear. We were alone to enjoy the vistas until someone came to tend a grave. Then, a tour bus showed up with a large group, but we had spent enough time enjoying the views. There is no charge to enjoy these phenomenal views.

We’re lucky we have a car and we are doing well muddling along (between the opposite side of the road to usual and the quirky signs). Many things are closed in January but the tourist office in Slane was open. The delightful woman there gave us detailed information about the area (and warned us most things like Slane Castle and the local coffee place were closed) and directions to get up the hill to the Hill of Slane. The view from there is breathtaking. The light when we were there today was inspiring; I could imagine St. Patrick lighting the pascal fire a top the hill. The remaining rocks and headstones don’t seem to mind the intrusion and some locals throwing balls for their enthusiastic dogs was a fun addition. I could have stayed there all morning. Well worth the visit.

Just outside the small town of Slane and overlooking the Boyne Valley and its ancient burial mounds, this hill is the site of St. Patrick's first call to the people of the region to convert. Today, the view is spectacular. The hill is crowned with the ruins of an ancient monastery. Well worth the brief drive up, when visiting Newgrange or other historic sites in the area.