Earlier Houses: The current house replaced an earlier house on the site, which, in turn, was built on the foundations of a Medieval castle of the Fleming family.
Built / Designed For: 2nd Lord Conyngham
House & Family History: Mark Bence-Jones, writing in "A Guide to Irish Country Houses," calls Slane Castle "A large and very early Gothic Revival castle in an incomparable situation above the Rover Boyne." Bence-Jones goes on to say, speaking of the circular ballroom or library that it "rises through two stories of the round tower and is undoubtedly the finest Gothic Revival room in Ireland; with a ceiling of Gothic plasterwork so delicate and elaborate that it looks like filigree." Slane was started in 1785 for the 2nd Lord Conyngham to the designs of James Wyatt; the house was completed by Francis Johnston for Lord Conyngham's son, later the 1st Marquess Conyngham. George IV stayed at Slane as Prince of Wales and, in 1821, as king. In 1991, a disastrous fire in the castle caused extensive damage to the house and completely gutted the eastern section facing the River Boyne. A 10-year restoration program was completed in 2001, after which the castle once again opened to the public.
Collections: The round-backed chair chosen for Queen Victoria's homage chair, made for her coronation in 1838, was taken by the 2nd Marquess Conyngham to Slane Castle as a perquisite of his position as lord chamberlain. It remained at Slane until it was destroyed in the 1991 fire.
Architect: James Gandon
Date: 1781-83Architect: Francis Johnston
Date: 1795Country Life: CLXVIII, 198 plan, 278, 382, 1980.
Title: Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, 1990
Author: Kidd, Charles; Williamson, David (Editors)
Year Published: 1990
Reference: pg. P 283
Publisher: London: Debrett's Peerage Limited (New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.)
ISBN: 0312046405
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Guide to Irish Country Houses, A
Author: Bence-Jones, Mark
Year Published: 1988
Publisher: London: Constable and Company
ISBN: 0094699909
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Royal Treasures: A Golden Jubilee Celebration
Author: Roberts, Jane (Editor)
Year Published: 2002
Publisher: London: The Royal Collection
ISBN: 1902163494
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, 1990
Author: Kidd, Charles; Williamson, David (Editors)
Year Published: 1990
Publisher: London: Debrett's Peerage Limited (New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.)
ISBN: 0312046405
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Unknown
Park Listed: Unknown
Current Seat / Home of: Henry Vivien Pierpont Conyngham, 8th Marquess Conyngham; Conygham-Burton family here since 1701.
Past Seat / Home of: Christopher Fleming, 12th Baron Slane, 17th century; Fleming family here from the 15th century until 1701.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
Ownership Details: Available for weddings, corporate functions, banquets, and concerts.
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 353-0419-884-400
Fax: 3530-419-820-847
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.slanecastle.ie
Historic Houses Member: No