Kickstart your Christmas at Slane Castle

Posted on 7th November 2022

Here’s an idea for kickstarting your Christmas celebrations right here in a magical festive atmosphere Sunday 27th November. How does a walk in the woods, brunch at Browne’s Bar and a Castle or Distillery Tour sound? That will fill the day nicely before the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Christmassy Castle Courtyard.

Our gates open at 10am and of course entry and parking are free of charge. Here’s our suggestion for your Christmas at the Castle day. Start with a stroll around the wooded grounds following the walking trail and that should work up an appetite for our new brunch. It’s served in Browne’s bar while rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia from 40 years of concerts looks down on you from every angle. We’ve put together a lovely brunch menu with a strong local and artisan focus, including organic produce from Rock Farm. You could add a sneaky tipple – a Bellini or a Slane Whiskey Cocktail -to make it really special. Walk in customers are welcome or you can book your table in advance, which is a good idea, especially if you have a group of four or more. Once fortified with brunch, it’s time to go on tour. We’ve two Castle tours at 12 noon and 2pm when our tour guide Tina will reveal the history (and some fascinating hidden secrets) of the magnificent Castle.
Next on the list is to stroll over to Slane Distillery in the Victorian stable courtyard, check out the giftshop and maybe even take a guided tour if time allows. They run at 12 noon and 2pm). Keep an eye on the clock though and as twilight falls, make sure you’re back in the Castle Courtyard as Alex Conyngham, the Earl of Mount Charles steps forward to perform the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony The Courtyard and Castle look wonderful bedecked in their festive finery with the huge courtyard tree as the highlight. There’s no lovelier sight than the twinkling lights of trees and courtyard with the stately Castle as a dramatic backdrop.
Giant toy soldiers guard the Castle entrance and live seasonal music adds to the atmosphere. Browne’s Bar is open serving pick-me-ups and warm-me-ups on demand. The Silver Fox food truck will be in full swing serving mulled wine, Irish Coffees, Baileys Hot Chocolate, mince pies and crepes to keep everyone’s spirits high. Everyone is welcome, entry is free and no booking is necessary.
Christmas Markets
Did you know we have Christmas Markets on the two weekends before Christmas? They’re running on Saturday 10th/Sunday 11th and Saturday 17th/Sunday 18th December from 11am to 4pm. The markets are indoors just in case the weather is dodgy. The entrance hall and George IV Ballroom will be full of seasonal stalls selling all manner of gifts, arts and crafts. Outside in the Castle Courtyard you will be spoilt for choice with mulled wine, cider, Baileys Hot Chocolate and Christmas Slane Whiskey cocktails as well as mince pies and seasonal favourites.
Brunch in Browne’s Bar will run as usual every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and the Slane Castle Afternoon Tea Experience will be available on Saturdays at 3.30pm.
Don’t forget Slane Castle is available for private Christmas parties and events for groups of 20-100 people. We’re a bit biased but we think it’s a great venue for a ‘do’, oozing with history, tradition and even a hint of scandal.



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