Slane Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slane Castle |
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| Caisleán Bhaile Shláine | |
| Slane, Ireland | |
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Slane Castle seen from within its grounds
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 Slane Castle
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| Coordinates | 53°42′32″N 6°33′40″W / 53.709°N 6.561°W |
| Site information | |
| Owner | The 8th Marquess Conyngham |
| Controlled by | Slane Castle Ltd |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1780s |
| In use | Inhabited |
| Events | Slane Festival |
Slane Castle (Irish: Cáisleán Bhaile Shláine) is a famous castle in the village of Slane, Ireland. It sits in the beautiful Boyne Valley in County Meath. The castle has been the home of the Conyngham family since it was built in the late 1700s. The family first bought the land in 1703.
Slane Castle is well-known for hosting the Slane Festival. This is a huge music event held on its grounds. The castle's sloped lawns create a natural outdoor concert area. Many famous bands and singers have performed here.
Contents
About Slane Castle
A Look at Its Past
Slane Castle stands overlooking the River Boyne. It is close to Newgrange, an ancient monument, and the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne. The castle you see today was built starting in 1785. William Conyngham and his nephew Henry Conyngham, 1st Marquess Conyngham led its construction. Famous architects like James Gandon and James Wyatt helped design it.
The Conyngham family originally came from Scotland. They were Protestant and moved to Ireland in 1611. This was part of a plan to settle people in County Donegal, called the Plantation of Ulster. The family took control of lands around a village they renamed Mountcharles.
The Conyngham family has been connected to the Slane Estate for over 300 years. They gained the property after a war called the Williamite War in Ireland in 1701. Before this, Slane Castle belonged to the Fleming family. They were Catholic and had supported a different king, so their land was taken.
Today, the owner of Slane Castle is Henry Conyngham. He is known as Henry Conyngham, 8th Marquess Conyngham. His oldest son is Alex, the Earl of Mount Charles.
Castle Events and Restoration
In 1984, the famous Irish band U2 stayed at the castle. They wrote and recorded their album The Unforgettable Fire there.
In 1991, a fire caused a lot of damage to the castle. The eastern part, facing the River Boyne, was completely burned inside. It took ten years to restore the castle. It finally reopened in 2001. In 2003, an old cannon linked to the castle was found in the nearby River Boyne.
Ancient Sites Nearby
Near the castle, between the River Boyne and the local church, are the ruins of St. Erc's Hermitage. This is a 15th-century chapel. About 500 meters west of the hermitage, you can find an ancient well.
In old Irish stories, this well was said to be magical. The god Dian Cecht blessed it so that the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mythical group, could bathe there and be healed. It was believed to heal all injuries except losing one's head! Later, when Christianity in Ireland arrived, the well became known as Our Lady's Well.
Music at Slane Castle
Since 1981, Slane Castle has been a popular place for rock concerts. The natural shape of the land creates a huge outdoor concert area. It can hold up to 80,000 people! The concerts were started by the castle's owner, Henry Conyngham.
Famous Performers
Many world-famous artists have played at Slane. These include The Rolling Stones, U2, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Queen. Other stars like David Bowie, Neil Young, Bryan Adams, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Williams, and Madonna have also performed. R.E.M., Foo Fighters, Celtic Woman, and Oasis have also graced the stage.
On May 28, 2011, Kings of Leon headlined the 30th-anniversary concert. Thin Lizzy, who played at the very first Slane Festival in 1981, were also a support act.
Filming at the Castle
Celtic Woman filmed their DVD Celtic Woman: A New Journey at Slane Castle in August 2006. U2 filmed their concert DVD U2 Go Home: Live From Slane Castle there in 2001. Parts of Madonna's film I'm Going to Tell You a Secret were also filmed at the castle in 2004. Bon Jovi performed at Slane Castle in June 2013.
Most recently, on June 8, 2019, Metallica played for 75,000 fans. It was their first time back in Ireland in ten years.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Slane para niños
