Public consultation to help shape the future of historic 'sister' house in Slane village
The people of Slane will be asked for their views on proposed facilities at Clonkeehan House, one of the four sister houses on the Square in Slane.
Design work on a major cultural and community facility on the period property, which Meath County Council bought in 2024, is to begin shorty.
The house and lands are on the South Eastern side of square and were formerly owned by the Late Miss Susan Traill.
The council is now putting a design team in place with a view to creating a new heritage, cultural and community asset in the heart of the village.
A public consultation will begin this month. Cllr Wayne Harding said the consultation is very important. "The people of Slane should have the opportunity to help shape the future of this very important site and to have their views considered as the plans develop.
"Clonkeehan has the potential to complement the many existing attractions in and around Slane, including Slane Castle and the Hill of Slane. Together with the acquisition of the Ledwidge Cottage, it creates an opportunity to significantly strengthen Slane's heritage and tourism offering.
"This must also be a project that benefits the local community. The development of Clonkeehan can provide a valuable amenity for local people while creating another reason for visitors to come to Slane, stay in the village and explore the wider Boyne Valley.
Cllr Harding said he had championed this project for a number of years with local man, Pat Doyle.
“The purchase came about following representations by myself and Pat Doyle. We produced a plan and made a comprehensive proposal to The Meath CEO, Mr Kieran Kehoe, Area Manager Ms Fiona Lawless and Director of Transport and Assets Management, Mr Martin Murray, who were all very supportive.”
Last October, over €620,000 was allocated under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the development of the house into a new arts and community hub.
The funding will support detailed design and planning for the restoration and reuse of the period property. Once complete, the project aims to deliver not only a restored building but also a park and community garden on-site, providing an accessible and vibrant new public space for Slane.
Clonkeehan House is one of Slane’s historic “Four Sisters”, a group of four almost identical Georgian houses that frame the crossroads at the heart of the village. Dating back to the 1700s, the Four Sisters have long captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike — with one well-known tale suggesting they were built for four sisters who weren’t on speaking terms.
The 18th century, three storey over basement property is set on 8.2 acres and is a Grade 1 Listed Building of high importance.
Cllr Harding credited the “absolute commitment” of Meath County Council and thanked Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary, for recognising the potential of the project.