The Daily Star Ireland
The Conyngham family motto, “Over Fork Over,” symbolizing progress and reinvention, has perhaps never been more fitting. For Alex Conyngham, the newly appointed 9th Marquess Conyngham, this spirit of evolution defines the future of Slane Castle, the family’s historic estate overlooking the River Boyne in County Meath.
For more than forty years, Slane Castle has stood as a landmark in music history, its natural amphitheater hosting some of the greatest rock and pop acts of all time before crowds of up to 80,000 fans. But today, the estate’s identity is expanding well beyond its musical legacy, embracing new creative ventures and cultural experiences.
A Modern Heir with a Historic Legacy
When Lord Henry Mount Charles passed away in June, Alex inherited not just a noble title but the responsibility of preserving a 1,500-acre estate and a 300-year-old castle steeped in history. Yet, there are no pretensions here — to most, he’s simply “Alex.”
Meeting him at the grand entrance of Slane Castle, one is struck by his relaxed demeanor despite the enormous task of running such an iconic property. The castle is alive with activity — preparations are underway for Ireland Fashion Week, with the main hall being transformed into a runway. A band rehearses nearby, and excitement fills the air following the announcement that Luke Combs will headline next summer’s Slane concert.
“Dad was even involved in the preparations for this one,” Alex says, surrounded by memorabilia in Browne’s Bar, named after the castle’s longtime housekeeper. “We’re just delighted to be back. We miss it when we don’t have a gig — not just because it’s important for the venue, but because we miss the buzz.”
He smiles, recalling how his father helped choose Combs as the next headliner. “We’ve never done country before. I love the old-school stuff — Kris Kristofferson, the great storytellers — and Dad did too. He’d be thrilled to see this happening.”
Slane’s Musical Evolution
After a four-year break, Slane made a bold return in 2023 with Harry Styles, a move that divided opinion among diehard fans of the castle’s rock heritage. Now, the shift toward country music may stir debate again — but Alex sees it differently.
“I want every music fan to have a reason to come to Slane,” he explains. “Ireland loves its country music, and Luke Combs is one of the biggest names in the world right now. It just makes sense. We did pop with Harry, now it’s country’s turn. The idea is inclusion, not replacement.”
While some fans of U2 or Oasis, both once rumored as possible headliners, might prefer city venues like Croke Park or the Aviva, Conyngham emphasizes that Slane remains a pilgrimage for music lovers — no matter the genre. “We had the Rolling Stones in 2007. So no, we’re not moving away from rock or older audiences. Slane is for everyone.”
He also highlights his commitment to featuring Irish talent, announcing that The Script will perform alongside Combs. “Dad was always passionate about supporting Irish music,” Alex says. “It’s great to see The Script high up on the bill — it’s going to be a big day for Irish fans.”
Beyond Music: Expanding Slane’s Creative Horizons
While Slane Castle’s concerts remain its most famous draw, Alex is intent on broadening the estate’s cultural footprint. Over the past year, the castle has hosted everything from art exhibitions to culinary events and television productions.
His younger brother Wolfe, a London-based chef, recently returned to Slane to curate a seasonal feast inspired by local produce, coinciding with the opening of a new art exhibition. “We’re known for music,” Alex says, “but I want to push other cultural forms too. We’ve got fashion week here today, we’ve had contemporary art shows like CAIM, and we even filmed The Traitors Ireland here.”
He sees diversification as essential to the estate’s future — a way to sustain its legacy while staying relevant to modern audiences. “Slane has always been about creativity,” he reflects. “It’s part of the magic of this place — music, art, food, fashion — it all belongs here.”
As Slane Castle prepares for another landmark concert season, one thing is clear: under Alex Conyngham’s stewardship, the legendary venue is not just preserving its past — it’s reinventing its future.
