DiCamillo Companion
Ireland

Slane Castle

  • 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: 1781-83
    Designed: Proposed house alterations for William Burton-Conyngham. It is unlcear if these alterations were executed.

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    Architect: James Wyatt

    Date: 1785-86
    Designed: House for 2nd Lord Conyngham

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    Architect: Francis Johnston

    Date: 1795
    Designed: Completed House for 1st Marquess Conyngham

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    Architect: Lancelot Brown

    Designed: Park and Courtyard

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    Architect: Thomas Hopper

    Designed: Gothic Ballroom

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  • Country 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

  • "U2: Unforgettable Fire" (1984 - TV documentary). "The Brides of Franc" (2005 - TV documentary). "Royal Rendezvous" (2023).
  • 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