Slane Castle sits on a 1,500 acre estate above the River Boyne in County Meath, in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East. Home to the Conyngham family since 1703, it is one of the Boyne Valley's best known landmarks: a Gothic Revival house set in parkland, a world famous concert venue, and the site of Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery.
Slane Castle, home to the Conyngham family since 1703.
Overlooking the River Boyne, a short drive upstream from Newgrange and the Battle of the Boyne battlefield, the castle in its present form was rebuilt from 1785 under William Burton Conyngham and his nephew, the 1st Marquess Conyngham. The design is principally the work of James Gandon, James Wyatt, and Francis Johnston. Johnston also designed the Gothic gates on Mill Hill, east of the castle.
The Conynghams arrived in Ireland in 1611 during the Plantation of Ulster in County Donegal. Their link with the Slane Estate began after the Williamite confiscations of 1701, when the family moved their main seat south to Slane. Today the estate remains a working Conyngham home as well as a private venue for weddings, dinners, and corporate events.
In 1991 a fire caused extensive damage and gutted the eastern section facing the Boyne. After a ten-year restoration, the castle reopened in 2001.
Designed for visitors who enjoy medieval history, atmospheric ruins, and photography, this private Boyne Valley tour explores castles, abbeys, and early Christian monuments. Stops include Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman fortress at Trim Castle, the monastic ruins of Mellifont Abbey and Bective Abbey, and the high crosses at Monasterboice. The day can also include the Hill of Slane and Slane Castle when available.
Price €675 for up to six guests, plus booking fees.
Since 1981 the natural amphitheater in the castle grounds has hosted major outdoor concerts, with a capacity of around 80,000. Headliners over the years have included Thin Lizzy, U2, The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Guns N' Roses, Oasis, R.E.M., Metallica, and many others. U2 later recorded part of The Unforgettable Fire at the castle. Concert dates and tickets are announced separately.
Slane Whiskey Distillery on the grounds of Slane Castle.
Slane Whiskey Distillery stands in the mid-18th century stables opposite the castle courtyard, with newer production buildings set carefully behind the Georgian range. The whiskey project began with Lord Henry Mount Charles and his son Alex Conyngham. Slane Castle Irish Whiskey was first launched in 2009, initially distilled for the family by Cooley Distillery. In 2015 Brown-Forman, makers of Jack Daniel's, invested in building the on-site distillery. Slane Irish whiskey is triple-casked in virgin American oak, seasoned Tennessee whiskey casks, and Spanish sherry casks.
Nearby highlights include the Hill of Slane, the Francis Ledwidge Museum, and the passage tombs at Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth.
Five star review for Michael Fox. What an amazing tour of the Boyne Valley. He spent all day driving us to Newgrange, Knowth, Slane Castle, the Hill of Slane and Monasterboice. Read the full TripAdvisor review