The Lady Well Fete

Slane Village are this year having their second Lady Well Fete at Slane Castle on Sunday August 16th. This event coincides with August 15th, which has been celebrated for centuries and commemorates the day that the water of the Lady Well, which rises in an opening in the woodland of the Slane Castle demesne, is deemed to be holy. Thousands of people make the journey to the woods on the 15th August every year to drink from the well and the welll will again be available for access to all on this day. Traditionally a fete was held on the same day in the adjoining field below the Castle and this year it will happen on the following day which is Sunday the 16th August.
 
The organising committee are putting a huge effort in to make this year’s event even more action packed and enjoyable than last year’s great success. Their hope is to build on last year, with a view to having a truly wonderful weekend in 2010 to properly celebrate the 250th anniversary of the historic Georgian village. All the proceeds will go towards enhancing the historic estate village of Slane and protecting its charming Georgian appeal. Projects already completed from the proceeds of last year's fete include the clearance and improvements at the Lady Well itself which was damaged by high floodwaters in 2008. The Lady Well Committee will also be funding the erection of dual language street signs in the village of Slane and hopes to complete more ambitious projects later this year with the proceeds of this year's fete.
 
The events on the day are community driven with sporting fixtures including local G.A.A,  soccer  and tug of w. For children there are bouncing castles, a race car track, a magician and kid’s sports. Other activities include a coconut shy, vintage cars, coracles, a Chinese dragon show, dog shows and falconry. The fete will also include a country market with a wide selection of food and crafts. There is also live entertainment all day on the main stage including the Rathkenny Revels and a Duck Derby with generous prizes and much, much more.
 
The Chairman of the Committe is Alex, The Earl of Mount Charles, who states “I am delighted to be involved in the Lady Well Fete again this year. Every year I drink the water from the well and when I was christened my father, much to the surprise of the vicar, produced a plastic bottle with water taken from the Lady Well on the 15th August which was duly added to the font. In my grandfather’s time the 15th August was quite a celebration and it is wonderful to have the chance to resurrect it. This has been a community effort and the funds raised will make a contribution towards the improvement of the village.”
 
The day starts at 2pm and is packed with activities and fun until the event closes at 7pm. Locals are encouraged to walk down if possible but parking will be provided onsite with good access to both the Lady Well and fete. Food and toilets will be available and no alcohol will be served on site. 
 
For further information please visit The Lady Well website