Downpatrick and Slane aim to link up
CLLR Wayne Harding has said that a visit by representatives of Newry/ Mourne and Down district council to Slane was extremely positive and has opened up great tourism options for Slane and the greater Boyne valley region and Downpatrick.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes in setting up an association with Downpatrick and Slane with a view to twinning. There are obvious links with Slane and Downpatrick with St Patrick and that will be central. But there will be a big emphasis on local food production, history and heritage schools and a proposed charity walk.’
The delegation started their day with a meeting in Tankardstown house with representatives of Meath County Council and a presentation from Michelle Whelan from Meath Tourism on what Slane and the region has to offer and the many sites that could not possibly have been visited in one day.
They were then bused to The Hill of Slane where legend has it that St Patrick lit the pascal fire and from there on to Slane Castle and Slane distillery. After a trip to Rock Farm they went to Slane village where they met local food producers and visited The Hub and tourist information offices.
An invitation for a return visit from Slane to Downpatrick was extended with a view to expanding the many positive initiatives Slane and Downpatrick have in common.
Cllr Harding, Chairperson of the Laytown/ Bettystown municipal district who received the delegation finished by saying, “it was a great day and yet another building block that has the capacity to make The Boyne Valley one of the best tourism destinations in the country with Slane at the heart of it”.