Slane Castle

4.6 (3,680)

About

A 300-year-old neo-Gothic castle on the banks of the River Boyne — part stately family home of the Conynghams, part legendary rock-concert amphitheatre, part working whiskey distillery, all set on a 1,500-acre Capability Brown-landscaped estate.

Things to Do

Slane Distillery Tour

Housed in the restored 18th-century stable yard opposite the castle courtyard. A guided working-distillery tour covering the triple-distilled, triple-casked method, finishing with a tasting of the award-winning Slane Irish Whiskey blend. Private and group bookings only; must be 18+. Open Friday to Sunday.

Private Castle Tour

A one-hour guided tour through the castle built in 1785 by architects James Gandon, James Wyatt and Francis Johnston. Covers the Conyngham family history, the King George IV Ballroom (arguably Ireland's finest Gothic Revival room), and stories from four decades of iconic concerts. Private groups only; pre-book at least one week ahead.

Heritage Week Public Tours

For one weekend each August, the castle opens for public guided tours — your best chance if you're not part of a private group. In 2026 these run 16–18 August at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. €15 per person for a 60-minute tour.

Afternoon Tea with a Traitorous Twist

Served in the magnificent King George IV Ballroom: a glass of bubbly, finger sandwiches, warm scones, and sweet pastries on tiered stands, followed by a mini tour through the castle's shadowed corridors with tales of intrigue. €65 per person. Select dates through summer 2026; book well ahead.

Walking Trail

A 1.6 km gravel path winding through mature woodlands on the estate with views over the River Boyne. Two gentle inclines, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, with limited seating along the way. A peaceful way to soak up the grounds between tours.

Browne's Bar — Whiskey & Music Room

An intimate basement bar seating up to 30, lined with rare concert memorabilia from over 40 years of Slane gigs. Available for exclusive private hire and pre-booked whiskey tastings. Named after the castle's legendary housekeeper, Mary Browne.

Stay Overnight at the Castle

The Castle Collection lets you sleep in rooms where King George IV once stayed. Choose between the 5-bedroom suite (up to 13 guests) or 3-bedroom configuration (up to 8). For larger parties, the whole-castle retreat sleeps 15. Also on the estate: Rock Farm glamping in yurts and shepherd's huts on a 90-acre organic farm.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Castle & grounds: by appointment only — not open for walk-in visits. Public castle tours available during Heritage Week (16–18 Aug 2026) only. Afternoon Tea runs on select dates (check events calendar). Slane Distillery: open Friday to Sunday (from noon Friday). Always check the website before travelling.
Admission: Private castle tour €150 flat (up to 6 guests), €12.50 per extra person (max 25). Heritage Week public tours €15pp. Afternoon Tea €65pp.
Parking: Distillery Carpark available for castle guests (2–3 minute walk to the courtyard). Resident parking for overnight guests. Courtyard parking may be available on request.
Food: Silver Fox food truck in the castle courtyard for casual bites and hot drinks. Afternoon Tea in the King George IV Ballroom (pre-booked). Browne's Bar for private whiskey tastings. The Gandon Room for private dining events. Slane village (1 km walk) has pubs and cafés for everyday options.

Watch More

See it on the map

Load the interactive map to explore this place location.

Nearby places

4.7 (5311)

Newgrange

A 5,000-year-old Neolithic passage tomb older than the pyramids, where a shaft of winter solstice sunlight still illuminates the inner chamber — all accessed from the superb Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre in the Boyne Valley.

Donore, Meath · ~6 km

4.7 (4654)

Brú na Bóinne

Walk inside a 5,200-year-old passage tomb at Newgrange — older than the pyramids — and stand amid the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe at this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the River Boyne.

Drogheda, Meath · ~8 km

4.4 (497)

Navan Adventure Centre

An outdoor multi-activity adventure park on the grounds of Navan Racecourse, where kids and adults can footgolf, pedal-boat, go-kart and bounce their way through a day of fresh-air fun in the Boyne Valley.

Meath · ~8 km

4.7 (1330)

Irish Military War Museum

One of Europe's most extensive hands-on wartime collections — touch, feel and handle original artefacts, vehicles and uniforms spanning conflicts from the Napoleonic era to the Gulf War.

Collon, Meath · ~9 km