Henry Mount Charles, the custodian of Slane Castle, dies aged 74

Henry Mount Charles of Slane Castle. File picture: Denis Scannell

Henry Mount Charles, the custodian of Slane Castle who turned it into one of Ireland’s most iconic gig venues, has died at the age of 74.

The driving force behind turning the Meath estate into the location that has played host to acts such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones died on Wednesday following a long battle with cancer.

The first Slane festival took place in 1981, featuring a young U2 and headlined by Thin Lizzy.

“[He] leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland’s heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music, and community,” his family said.

“His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour, and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues, and admirers across generations.

“The family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff at St. James’s Hospital, as well as the many caregivers who supported Lord Henry with compassion over the last decade. They are also deeply moved by the outpouring of public kindness and solidarity during this difficult journey.

“Lord Henry’s light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland’s cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.”

The family have asked for privacy and said the funeral arrangements will be private.

The Slane estate, which acts as a huge natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, last played host to Harry Styles when the pop star performed for 80,000 fans in June 2023.

Paying tribute was President Michael D Higgins, who described Mr Mount Charles’ contributions as “a very important turning point in live music in Ireland”.

President Higgins, who himself attended Slane in 1984 when Bob Dylan headlined, said: “He decided to begin using the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle as a venue at which public performances could be held by some of the most contemporary makers of music.

“It wasn’t just in relation to very well known events that Henry was involved, he had a deep interest in promotion of music, including new and young talent.

“I have been saddened over recent years to hear of his struggles with cancer, about which he spoke personally and helpfully of his experiences.” 

Tánaiste Simon Harris said he would be remembered for his “unrivalled wit, his ability to light up a room, and his incredible sense of warmth and generosity”.

“For so many, Lord Henry will be remembered as the man who brought rock-and-roll to the iconic music venue that is Slane Castle.

“I want to pay tribute to him for the incredible contribution he made to arts, culture and of course his beloved county Meath.

“My deepest sympathies are today with his family and friends.”

He is survived by his wife Iona, and children Alexander, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara.