Slane Castle’s new owner has revealed that he is planning to host a major concert on the legendary grounds next year.
Alex Conyngham, son of the late Lord Henry Mount Charles, said that while he was not able to confirm the act he is in negotiations with, “We are hoping…nothing I can confirm, but what I can confirm is our desire to do it,”
“We absolutely want to bring the shows back. We miss them…it’s not just about the revenue, it’s the buzz of doing them and it’s kind of keeping Slane on the map. It’s what we’re known for and I don’t want that legacy to fade away.
“When you read about the world’s great venues, yes there are some amazing stadiums, but the really great venues are the ones in the natural settings. And Slane is one of those.”
Alex added that he is working on plans with a promoter and “fingers crossed we will be able to pull something off for next year.”
“That’s the intention, but I can’t confirm anything at this stage. It depends on whether they (the artist) want to do it. Harry Styles (who played in 2023) very much wanted to play Slane. It was on his bucket list. It was on Metallica’s bucket list. They actually said that to me, ‘Slane has been on our bucket list for a very long time.’
“So I think it is a place that artists want to play. Hopefully we can get the right act for next year.”
Lord Henry Mount Charles, died after a long battle with cancer in June of this year.
Since 1981, the venue which has a capacity of 80, 000 people has become one of the most famous music venues in the world, hosting Thin Lizzy, U2, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, David Bowie, Guns n Roses, Neil Young, REM, The Verve, Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams, Stereophonics, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Madonna, Oasis, Kings Of Leon, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Metallica and most recently Harry Styles in 2023.
U2, uniquely, have performed three times at the venue – including playing support to the legendary Thin Lizzy, who headlined Slane with their first show in 1981.
Alex promised his dad he would continue the legacy for generations to come, “The craic of getting the bus, the walking, it's all part of the Slane experience, almost a right of passage for music fans whose parents did the same thing as teenagers.
“Their kids want to do it too. But we’ve got much better at getting people home for Slane even when it took a long time, everybody got a story out of it.”
He was speaking as Slane Castle is set to host CAIM, a new contemporary art programme.
The inaugural exhibition will take place at Slane Castle from September 12 to 30 and organisers say it will "bridge international art, Celtic tradition, and Ireland’s natural landscape".
Speaking about the new move, Alex said: "For centuries, Slane Castle has been a place of gathering for music, celebration, and connection. With CAIM, we’re opening a new chapter, one where art becomes a bridge between our storied past and a sustainable future.
"This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to experience the Slane Castle estate as a sanctuary for creativity and contemplation, echoing the Celtic rituals that have shaped this land and our connection to it for aeons.”
