The Legend of St. Patrick and the Hill of Slane

Today the Hill of Slane is topped with the ruins of a 1512 Franciscan Monastery and a Church believed to have been built by one of St. Patrick's earliest converts - the druid Erc. Later St. Patrick made Erc the first Bishop of Slane and his tomb can be seen in the small graveyard surrounding the Church's ruins. Standing on the hill you can almost feel St. Patrick's presence as you gaze at the beautiful scenery around you. The Hill of Slane rises above the Boyne River Valley and offers a view for miles around - from the Wicklow Mountains to the regal Hill of Tara.

Of course, St. Patrick's Day is now celebrated in many countries around the world with parades, festivals, music, dance and green beer! In almost every town in Ireland you will find Mass, a parade and a relaxing day. We are certainly far removed from the brave challenge of St. Patrick to King Laeghaire but we have not forgotten the influence of one of the most important men in Irish history.

Some of the best links for St. Patrick's Day: http://www.xenus.com/postcard/spatricks.... - good collection of poscards, free to send

http://www.st-patricks-day.com - covers the legend of St. Patrick, links to parade sites and the shamrock legend
http://www.stpatricksday.ie - official Dublin festival page
http://www.electronicpostcards.net/paddy... - best site I've seen for links to greeting card sites
http://www2.links2go.com/more/www.saint-... - links and topics relating to St. Patrick
http://www.irelandtoday.ie/st-patrick - their vintage St. Patrick Day greetings are beautiful

* First published March 2001

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