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Location
Slane village, County Meath, Ireland
Description
Slane Castle is set on an estate of 1,500 acres overlooking the River Boyne in the village of Slane 29 miles north of Dublin.
The grey stone crenellated castle is built over four floors with square towers to each corner. It is laid out in the centre the estate comprising of woodland designed by landscape architect Capability Brown.
Facilities
The castle is open to the public for guided tours from the 28th June until 27th August, Sunday to Thursday between 12 noon and 5pm.
Slane castle is also a conference and wedding venue which hosts both civil ceremonies and wedding receptions on an exclusive basis; this ensures that the entire castle is at the disposal of the wedding party. Celebrations can be held in the Gothic Ballroom created for King George IV for up to 110 guests or the larger Burton Hall, a circular room with arched windows and spectacular ceilings which can accommodate up to 240 people. The castle can also sleep up to twenty four guests and has a separate bridal suite.
History
The first occupants of Slane Castle were an Anglo Norman family called the Flemings but after the Williamite wars in 1611 the castle was purchased by the Conyngham's a noble Scottish family.
The castle was restructured in 1785 and dramatic gothic gates were added. In 1821 the castle was the location for a famous romance between Elizabeth, 1st Marchioness Coynghan and King George IV and it was said that is the reason why there is such a straight road between Dublin and the castle.
In 1991 the castle was subject to extensive damage caused by a fire which broke out on the eastern side and totally gutted the whole area. The family then spent the next ten years on the castle's restoration.
The Arts
The castle has been one of the venues for the 'Festival in Great Irish Houses'. The open air concerts below the castle have featured famous artists including U2, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Queen and Madonna.
Other Castles in the Area
Ardbraccan House, County Meath
Athcarne Castle, County Meath
Barmeath Castle, County Louth
Bective Abbey, County Meath
Bellinter House, County Meath
Bremore Castle, County Dublin
Castle Guard, County Louth
Dardistown Castle, County Meath
Dunmahon Castle, County Louth
Dunsany Castle, County Meath
Gormanston Castle, County Meath
Liscarton Castle, County Meath
Milltown Castle, County Louth
Monktown Castle, County Meath
Roodstown Castle, County Louth
Swords Castle, County Dublin
Trim Castle, County Meath
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