Ireland tends to be picturesque as it is, but in the tiny hillside town of Slane located on the River Boyne, the photogenic factor is kicked up a notch. One of Slane’s most impressive landmark is Slane Castle, home to over three centuries of history, a world-renowned whiskey distillery, a long list of rock ‘n’ roll visitors and performers (think: Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna, Rolling Stones, Kings of Leon…the list goes on), and some of the best food and drink in town. So, if you’ve come in search of a whiskey-fueled glamping getaway with a robust range of eco-friendly activities, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our perfect 72-hour jaunt around Slane, Ireland.
Friday Afternoon:
Arrive in Dublin, Ireland and get a car transfer to Slane. Check into your yurt (yes, yurt) at Rock Farm Slane adjacent to Slane Castle, complete with a canopy of trees, a secret bathing spot, an unwavering dedication to ecotourism, and a view of Slane Castle itself.
Yurt at Rock Farm Slane
Friday Evening:
Head next door for a sunset cocktail at Browne’s Bar, located in the underbelly of the castle. The walls are filled with memorabilia and mementos of performers past, serving as a museum of sorts commemorating the many music industry legends who have graced the grounds of Slane Castle over the past few decades. Dinner awaits at the Gandon Room, where locally sourced ingredients shine in the form of seasonally-rotating traditional Irish fare.
Slane Castle
Saturday Morning:
This morning, it’s back to the neighbor’s place for a tour of both the castle and the Slane distillery (two birds, one stone). Within the castle, you’ll get a crash course in the property’s history as you wander from room to room, each one more opulent than the next. At the distillery, you’ll see each element of the whiskey distillation and production process, wrapping up with a tasting of Slane Irish Whiskey’s signature triple-casked blend.
Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery
Saturday Afternoon:
Following your tours and tastings, arrange for a car to escort you into town for lunch at a local farm-to-table favorite, Hugo’s. From there, enjoy some time to explore the town center, which is comprised of charming clusters of shops and other small businesses. From here, either head back to the campsite to rest and refresh or head straight to dinner from town.
Slane Castle
Saturday Evening:
Dinner at No. Three is the perfect way to cap off your Slane visit. The family-owned and operated bar and restaurant features hearty Irish classics and some of the best cocktails in town.
Sunday Morning:
Depart for Dublin Airport today, whiskey in tow.
