With its majestic drawing rooms, estate overlooking the Boyne and almost theatrical atmosphere, Slane Castle seems to have been made for betrayal. Since 2025, this County Meath castle has provided the setting for The Traitors Ireland, the Irish adaptation of the hit show “The Traitors”. Season 2, airing on RTÉ One since 30 August 2026, has once again thrust the estate into the spotlight.
But Slane Castle is far more than a television location. Home to the Conyngham family for more than three centuries, a major landmark of the Boyne Valley and a now-legendary open-air concert venue, the castle has a history rich enough to appeal equally to heritage enthusiasts and rock fans. And, contrary to what the show might suggest, it is indeed possible to visit Slane Castle, although access arrangements are somewhat unusual.
Slane Castle, the real castle of The Traitors Ireland
RTÉ chose the Meath estate as the setting for the show
When RTÉ announced in April 2025 that Slane Castle would host the Irish version of The Traitors, the choice seemed almost obvious. With its monumental façade, grand historic rooms, staircases, drawing rooms and estate overlooking the River Boyne, the castle offered precisely the atmosphere sought by the production.
The first season quickly became one of RTÉ’s major television successes. Following that success, the production returned to the same location for a second season, which launched on 30 August 2026. Twenty-three new contestants then crossed the gates of Slane Castle under the watchful eye of Siobhán McSweeney, who resumed her role as game host.
The castle and its estate play a full part in the programme’s visual identity. Its historic interiors, façades and the landscapes of the Boyne Valley provide a setting especially suited to the show’s atmosphere of mystery and suspicion.
Where is Slane Castle?
A castle in the heart of the Boyne Valley
Slane Castle stands near the village of Slane, in County Meath, in the heart of the Boyne Valley. The estate extends around the River Boyne, in one of Ireland’s most important historic regions.
The castle lies close to several major sites, including Brú na Bóinne, Newgrange, Knowth and the Hill of Slane. This location makes it a particularly interesting stop on an itinerary devoted to the heritage of Meath and the Boyne Valley.
Its relative proximity to Dublin also makes it possible to include Slane in a day trip from the capital, perhaps combining the castle with the major prehistoric sites of Brú na Bóinne.
A residence occupied by the Conyngham family since 1703
More than three centuries of family history
Slane Castle is closely associated with the Conyngham family, who have been based on the estate since 1703. The castle seen today owes much of its appearance to alterations undertaken in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Several important architects contributed to its development, including James Gandon, James Wyatt and Francis Johnston. The result is a monumental residence whose architecture is particularly distinguished by its dramatic position above the Boyne.
Guided tours explore this family history, the architectural development of the house and the many figures who have visited Slane over the centuries.
A castle that became one of Ireland’s rock temples
Huge concerts held since 1981
For many Irish people, Slane Castle evokes music as much as heritage. Since the first major concert was held in 1981, the estate has become one of the country’s best-known music venues.
The setting contributes enormously to its reputation. A vast natural slope descends towards the stage, allowing tens of thousands of spectators to attend concerts held in front of the castle.
The list of artists who have performed at Slane is impressive: U2, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Guns N’ Roses, Oasis, Madonna and Thin Lizzy have all helped shape the venue’s legend.
The first Slane Concert took place in 1981, with Thin Lizzy headlining. Over the decades, performing in front of Slane Castle has become almost a symbol of achievement for artists capable of drawing a huge audience in Ireland.
Fontaines D.C. will write a new chapter in Slane’s history
Two concerts announced for June 2027
Slane Castle’s musical story is far from over. Irish band Fontaines D.C. are due to perform at the castle on 26 and 27 June 2027.
The choice carries strong symbolic significance. Fontaines D.C. will join the very select group of Irish bands to have headlined a major concert at Slane, following in the footsteps of Thin Lizzy and U2, among others.
This musical news, combined with the success of The Traitors Ireland, is currently giving the castle exceptional visibility well beyond heritage enthusiasts.
Can you visit Slane Castle in 2026?
Yes, but the castle is not open all year round
Slane Castle does not operate like a tourist attraction that is freely open every day. Castle visits are organised on certain dates or by booking.
Public guided tours may be offered during special events such as Heritage Week. It is also possible to arrange a private tour of the castle, subject to availability.
A visit offers the chance to see the main historic rooms, learn about the history of the Conyngham family and the building’s architecture, and hear the many anecdotes linked to concerts held on the estate.
It is therefore strongly advisable to check visiting options before travelling specifically to Slane Castle.
Slane Distillery is also located on the estate
From castle to Irish whiskey
The estate is also home to Slane Distillery, housed in former historic outbuildings in the immediate vicinity of the castle.
This is where Slane Irish Whiskey is produced. The project has made it possible to reuse several estate buildings formerly connected with agricultural activities and the stables.
The presence of the distillery adds another dimension to Slane: aristocratic heritage, music, television and whiskey all sit side by side on a single estate.
Slane and the Boyne Valley deserve a full day
Newgrange is only a few kilometres away
One of Slane Castle’s main attractions for travellers is its location at the heart of the Boyne Valley.
Nearby is Brú na Bóinne, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological complex that includes the famous megalithic tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.
The region is also home to the Hill of Slane, which overlooks the village. The site is traditionally associated with Saint Patrick and the episode in which he is said to have lit an Easter fire in defiance of the King of Tara.
A visit to Slane can therefore easily form part of a day devoted to County Meath’s major historic sites.
Is Slane Castle worth visiting?
Much more than the castle from The Traitors Ireland
The success of The Traitors Ireland is introducing Slane Castle to a new audience, but the show is ultimately only another chapter in the estate’s remarkable history.
Few Irish castles can claim such a combination: more than three centuries of family history, remarkable architecture, a dramatic position above the Boyne and some of the most famous concerts ever held in Ireland.
Whether you know Slane through U2, the Rolling Stones, Fontaines D.C. or now RTÉ’s Traitors, the castle remains one of County Meath’s most distinctive places.
