Slane

Slane Castle has announced a superb new option for Sunday lunch on the last Sunday of every month. It’s Seasonal Sundays at Slane Castle taking place in the classic Gandon Room. Seasonal Sundays is a delicious two course seasonal buffet lunch followed by a storytelling session. It’s all about local flavours – the menu is based around seasonal ingredients sourced nearby and at Rock Farm, their own organic farm, while the after lunch tales will also have a decidedly local resonance too. 

Carols by Candlelight in Slane Castle – how Christmassy can it get?

Join Local Vocals choir from Ardee for this gorgeous evening in aid of The Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland. Carols by Candlelight takes place on Wednesday 21st December at 7pm and tickets cost €15, all of which goes to the charity. Booking is on Eventbrite and is essential as availability is limited.

Everyone loves a good Christmas market and Slane Castle’s festive fair runs on the two weekends leading up to Christmas; 10-11th and 17-18th December from 11am to 4pm. The great hall and George IV Ballroom will be full of seasonal stalls selling all manner of gifts, arts and crafts. Outside in the Castle Courtyard visitors 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. 

Kickstart your Christmas celebrations in the magical atmosphere of Slane Castle Estate on the last Sunday in November (Sunday 27th November). A walk in the woods, brunch at Browne’s Bar and a Castle or Distillery Tour will fill the day nicely before the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Christmassy Castle Courtyard.

The Estate gates open at 10am and entry and parking are free of charge. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your Christmas at the Castle day.

The Christmas farmers markets at Rock Farm Slane are a convenient one-stop-shop for your Christmas dinner essentials this year. Organic turkey, ham and roasts, organic vegetables (including the crucial brussel sprouts) and lots of delicious festive fare from the Slane Food Circle all under one roof. Bring the family along and make a day of it on Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd or Friday 23rd December from 11am to 4pm.

The Vikings are invading Slane Castle this May in a festival of ferocious fighting and family fun harking back to the 8th and 9th century when the invaders were very real indeed. The theme is “Síol na Dragún” or “Descendants of the Dragon”, one of the many names used to describe these fierce Norse invaders. The third Boyne Valley Viking Experience will be the largest historical re-enactment festival in Ireland this year with Viking warriors battling for supremacy in front of the Castle.