Erc of Slane

Erc mac Dega (Latin: Ercus; Cornish: Erth; also known incorrectly as Herygh) was an Irish saint who was apparently also active in Cornwall. Tradition ascribes the foundation of the original monastery on the Hill of Slane to Saint Erc.

Life

Erc, son of Dago, was the only member of King Laoghaire's retinue to pay homage to Saint Patrick during the latter's confrontation with the druids on the Hill of Slane in 433. St Erc is believed to be a pagan druid converted by Patrick and appointed first Bishop of Slane. Erc’s foundation in Slane had an honourable history for at least six hundred years.

It is probable he came to Kerry soon after the mission of St. Benignus, who was sent by St. Patrick in 450 to preach to the tribes of West Munster. This visit of St. Benignus was comparatively short, for he was called away to North Clare and Connaught, where his apostolic labours may have been more urgently needed. To complete the conversion of Kerry, St. Patrick sent Bishop Erc, who had spiritual charge not only of Kerry, but also of a wide range of south-west Limerick, in the heart of which lay the convent of Ita at Killeedy, over which he seems to have had jurisdiction.

Slane

Slane (Irish: Baile Shláine, meaning Town of Sláine mac Dela) is a village in County Meath, in Ireland. The village stands on a steep hillside on the left bank of the River Boyne at the intersection of the N2 (Dublin to Monaghan road) and the N51 (Drogheda to Navan road). In 2006 Slane's population was 1,099, having grown from 823 in 2002. The population of the village and the surrounding rural area was 1,587 in 2006, up from 1,336 in 2002. The village centre dates from the 18th century. The village and surrounding area contains many historic sites dating back over 5,000 years.

The village

This village was founded by the family line of the Flanders (now Fleming). They abandoned the Estate when they emigrated to America. The village centre, laid out as a model village by the Conynghams is a good example of 18th-century town planning. At the centre of the village stand four nearly identical Georgian houses. The four houses stand at the intersection of the two main streets in the village. The four houses and four streets form an octagon. This feature is known as The Square. The two main streets in the village feature 18th century grey limestone buildings with slate roofs, oriel windows and stone steps and archways. At present there is a comprehensive Village Development Plan in operation. In 2007 Meath County Council proposed that both Slane village and the mill be recognised as Architectural Conservation Areas and protected according.

Slane (disambiguation)

Slane may refer to: