Slane Castle’s Traitors takeover puts Meath on map and big concert reveal could be next

County Meath was beamed into living rooms across the nation as Slane Castle provided the dramatic backdrop for hit TV series The Traitors and heir Alex Conynham says the show has given the Boyne Valley a priceless showcase.

From nail biting round table showdowns in the ballroom to secret scheming in the castle’s cellars, viewers got to see the historic estate in a whole new light. Other featured locations included the Spire of Lloyd in Kells, the Hill of Slane, the River Boyne, and the castle grounds, where contestants kayaked and navigated the stunning landscape. But for Alex, the real star was the county itself.

“It wasn’t just about the castle, it showed off the whole Boyne Valley, from kayaking on the river to the stunning landscape,” he told the Meath Chronicle. “Hopefully it’ll lead to more people visiting the area. It was a fantastic advert for Meath.”

The show’s success has already secured a second series at Slane. “It’s rare these days to get a programme the whole family watches together,” Alex said. “There was such a buzz, people were talking about it over coffee the next morning. That’s the kind of shared excitement that brings people together.”

His late father, Lord Henry Mount Charles, who sadly passed away in June, also got a glimpse of the production during filming last March. “He walked through the sets and raised his eyebrows in a good way at what they had managed to create,” Alex recalled. “He always said the castle had to keep evolving, and that’s exactly what we intend to do. Although he’s not here anymore, I feel like he’s still on my shoulder.”

Slane Castle has since leaned into its starring role with Traitors themed experiences, including afternoon tea in the famous Round Table room and playful tours of filming spots.

But while TV fans are lapping up the intrigue, music lovers are waiting for another kind of drama, the announcement of Slane’s next big gig. Alex revealed that news could break very soon.

“We’re feeling very positive about next summer,” he said. “We haven’t made an official announcement yet, but it’s looking good.”

Rumours are already swirling, with names like U2, who blew the roof off Slane in 2001, and Oasis being bandied about. Alex, however, is staying tight lipped. “Rumours are always fun,” he teased. “But I’m not revealing anything at this stage.”

Beyond the cameras and concerts, the castle continues to adapt. Guests can now book overnight stays in some of the very rooms used for The Traitors, while major brands like Mercedes have begun using Slane for corporate events. Slane Castle is also hosting the closing weekend of the Caim Art exhibition, which has showcased a mix of Irish artists alongside international talent from the US, Lebanon, Singapore, and China, drawing a wide range of visitors to Meath.

“We’re attracting a whole new audience, which is fantastic,” Alex said.

With The Traitors returning for a second season, Slane’s world famous concerts set to continue, and a legacy of evolution handed down from Lord Henry, the castle is once again in the spotlight, keeping Slane firmly on the map.