Modern History
In the last quarter of a century, music has become central to the tradition of Slane. For years it has played host to the Festival in Great Irish Houses, but it is for the fabulous open air Rock Concerts in the great natural amphitheatre below the Castle that it has become internationally renowned.
Act such as U2, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Guns ‘N Roses, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, David Bowie, Queen and REM have performed in Slane. U2, uniquely, have performed three times at the venue – playing support to the renowned Irish band, Thin Lizzy, who headlined Slane with their charismatic singer, Phil Lynott at the first show in 1981. In 1984 the band lived in the Castle while they were recording ‘The Unforgettable Fire’. The Drawing Room was converted into a recording studio and one of the videos for ‘Pride’ was filmed in the unique Gothic Revival Ballroom which was created for George IV’s State Visit in 1821. It was all part of the special musical journey of the Castle.
