'New chapter' for Slane Castle following death of Henry Mountcharles
Alex Mountcharles at Slane Castle. Picture: Leon Farrell/ Photocall Ireland
The son of Slane Castle owner Henry Mountcharles has announced what he says is an art-inspired "new chapter" for the venue, following the death of his father.
Henry Mountcharles died in June, having turned Slane into one of Ireland’s most iconic gig venues that hosted acts such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and the Rolling Stones over the decades.
His son Alex has announced a new project entitled CAIM, which is a contemporary art programme.
The inaugural exhibition will take place at Slane Castle from September 12 to 30 and organisers say it will "bridge international art, Celtic tradition, and Ireland’s natural landscape".
Speaking about the new move, Alex said: "For centuries, Slane Castle has been a place of gathering for music, celebration, and connection. With CAIM, we’re opening a new chapter, one where art becomes a bridge between our storied past and a sustainable future.
"This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to experience the Slane Castle estate as a sanctuary for creativity and contemplation, echoing the Celtic rituals that have shaped this land and our connection to it for aeons.”
The exhibition features work by a diverse roster of international and local artists, spanning sculpture, installation, painting, and multimedia.
It will be curated by Jenn Ellis, founder of Apsara Studio in London and Matilda Liu of Meeting Point Projects.
Artists have been selected from a rigorous open call encompassing a local and international jury, as well as by invitation and through collaboration with galleries.
Elsewhere, there are plans for at least one concert at the Meath venue in 2026.
The most recent festival on the grounds was in 2023, with the 80,000 attendees enjoying a night headlined by Harry Styles.
Furthermore, the castle was revealed as the setting of in April, with filming concluding on the Irish version of the hit series that has entertained audiences around the globe and is set to air later this year.
