Doubt over return of concerts to Slane Castle next year
The son of Lord Henry Mountcharles says the iconic venue is struggling to compete against top Dublin stadiums, where artists can play multiple nights
The son of Slane Castle rock boss Lord Henry Mountcharles has cast doubt over concerts returning next year as he admits the iconic venue cannot compete with artists playing multiple nights in the 3Arena and Croke Park.
Heir of Slane Castle, Alex Conyngham, Earl of Mountcharles, had hoped gigs would return to the iconic Meath venue next year. But he has admitted that artists performing multiple nights in stadiums like Croke Park is hampering Slane Castle bosses in their bid to lock down musicians for next year.
Alex told us: “We don’t have any set plans for 2025 at the moment. The industry is definitely changing and we are up against the amount of stadium gigs in the likes of Croke Park where you see bands playing multiple dates. That is very difficult to do in a beautiful field in Meath. We did two gigs in 2021.”
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He said putting on multiple dates is “challenging”.
“We have done two gigs further apart for other artists but for us to do many multiple dates is challenging. Production costs have also increased so there is definitely some pressure there. But I am very determined, as is dad, about live music. It is in our DNA and hopefully we will return to Slane but there are no set plans for 2025.”
However, Alex said “2026 is looking stronger.”
”It is a field and you never know what the Irish weather is going to do. We need time in between gigs to allow the ground to rest and that is why we can’t do back to back multiple nights. It isn’t possible given our situation.
“But it doesn’t mean we can’t do multiple dates, if Liam and Noel Gallagher want to do a couple of dates in Slane next year, they would still be welcome. Never say no but it is a little bit more challenging.”
Alex said they had hosted smaller festivals, which worked out great but only because it was “below 5,000 people”.
He added: “It is quite a crowded space in the Irish calendar but I think there is still a market for one big great gig. Harry Styles knocked it out of the park. Harry came to Slane because he wanted to play in one of the world’s most iconic venues and it is not just me saying that. If the artist wants to play – then we are open to it.”
Alex is always looking at different ways to use the beautiful castle for different events.
From November 14 until January 2025, they will host The Enchanted Kingdom, an immersive family experience for all ages and abilities.
The all-new land will immerse guests in a mystical world of fantasy, bioluminescent creatures with a dreamlike quality and breathtaking new experiences from exhilarating, wind-in-your-face effects to snow falling gently on your nose.
The Enchanted Kingdom is a walk of approximately 1km culminating in a spectacular show at the castle with immersive light and sound installations. It uses 3D sound mapping, targeted projection technology, ingenious special effects, interactive lighting design and custom-built structures.
It is family friendly, fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and people of all ages and abilities and is only 40 minutes from Dublin with free parking. The Enchanted Kingdom will also help raise funds for Special Hands, an activity group dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults with additional needs.
The new project is close to the Conyngham family’s heart as Alex and his wife Carina, share three children. Their 15-year-old daughter, Laragh, was born with a rare genetic condition, Rett syndrome.
He said: “Laragh loves being outside. Her communication is limited. We are lucky that she is physically able to walk and she like being outside and enjoys sound and light. We’ve been involved in a group called Special Hands, based in Meath, that provides respite centres for children with special needs.
“We are supporting them so if people could make a donation, they can to there. The centre has been a lovely experience for Laragh and we want to give something back. We’re hoping other children will come and enjoy the experience as well.”
Alex said, while inside the castle won’t be open, it will still be the centrepiece of The Enchanted Kingdom.
“The castle will be the centrepiece and part of the show. It is an immersive experience that is outside. A lot of infrastructure has gone into the site over the years with gigs and so we want to put that to good use,” he added.
The event will also include a Christmas Craft and Food Market and is by ticket only and tickets are available from €21.50 on www.enchantedkingdom. ie.
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