Slane Rocks: An exclusive VIP tour of Slane Castle and Distillery with Alex Conyngham

Whiskey is all about stories – and the history of the Conynghams, the iconic Slane concerts, and the family’s distilling journey is a tale that deserves repeated telling, particularly when it’s coming straight from the horse’s mouth.

And that’s exactly what makes the Slane Rocks VIP Exclusive Tour – a new experience at Slane Castle and Slane Distillery – so special.

Just as his father, Henry Mountcharles, decided to share his family’s magnificent estate in Co. Meath with punters for the past 40 years through the world-renowned Slane gigs, Alex Conyngham is offering a rare glimpse into his life as the co-founder of Slane Irish Whiskey and Earl of Mount Charles, by opening the doors to his home in Slane Castle, and personally hosting a special tour of both the Castle and the Distillery.

Alex Conyngham at Slane Distillery.

Heading down the drive of the estate in the heart of the Boyne Valley – located less than an hour from Dublin – it’s easy to forget that the picturesque setting has hosted some of the largest, most unforgettable concerts in the country. Indeed, the grounds are remarkably multi-faceted – with something new and innovative to be found all across the property, including food trucks launched over the summer, and freshly planted native trees to boost biodiversity.

The attention to detail is remarkable, particularly around the distillery itself, which is housed within the 250-year-old stables of the estate.

The tour, open to a maximum of six guests, begins with a Slane Irish Whiskey cocktail on arrival at Slane Castle, where Alex offers some fascinating insights into his life growing up in these very rooms. He also discusses the history of the family, and, of course, the history of the concerts – through his own personal perspective.

Despite the grandeur of the surroundings, he takes a refreshingly down-to-earth approach, ensuring that the experience feels more like an informal, though riveting, conversation, rather than a recited lecture.

Slane Castle

After a tour of some of the Castle's breathtaking rooms, Alex leads his guests to Slane Distillery – a unique space filled with modern equipment that honours an ancient art. Here, you're offered an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes graft, and will likely develop a newfound appreciation of the work and innovation that goes into each bottle of whiskey.

From there, the guests sit down for a special Deconstructed Tasting – which will further enlighten you on the making of the Triple Casked Irish Whiskey. The tasting breaks down the unique flavour profile of Slane Irish Whiskey, by offering samples of the whiskey aged in three different types of cask styles: virgin, seasoned and sherry – as well as the final blend of Slane Irish Whiskey. Whether or not you consider yourself a whiskey connoisseur, it’s a brilliant insight into what makes Slane Irish Whiskey so distinctive.

There’s no better way to cap off the tour than with a cocktail at the Stalls Bar – located in the 18th century horse stables, in which the original stalls have been converted into gorgeous snugs.

As a spectacularly well-rounded experience, lovers of whiskey, music, nature, history and culture will all find the Slane Rocks tour unforgettable – whether you’re travelling from down the road, or across the sea.

For more information about the Slane Rocks tour – or any of the other tours available at Slane Distillery – visit slaneirishwhiskey.com