Who’d lie to Derry Girls’ Sister Michael… well you can by channeling your inner Traitors at Slane Castle.
Sister Michael, or Siobhan McSweeney as she is known in some quarters is back for a second season as host of the international phenomenon that is The Traitors game show.
And participants and viewers alike have been caught up in all the shenanigans that take place in its gilded quarters.
Now the good news for us is that you don’t need to be a Traitor or a Faithful to sample what the competitors do.
Because the Co. Meath estate, 35 miles north of Dublin, is open to visitors to enjoy its charms or channel your inner game player as part of the Slane Castle Collection.
With anything from a three or five-bedroom apartment to taking out the whole castle.
Slayin’ it at Slane
Yes, you read that right, you can now play lord or lady of the manor for the first time in the Georgian demesne in the Boyne Valley.
The Retreat includes exclusive hire of three storeys of the Castle.
With six bedrooms located on both the first and second floors, sleeping up to 15 guests.
As well as reception rooms (dining room, drawing room and main hall) on the ground floor.
The ballroom and morning room event spaces can be booked as part of an additional event hire booking.
And the Conyngham family will cater for breakfasts as well as half to full board once the accommodation is booked.
The castle also has a 60-seater restaurant (Gandon Room).
And 20-seater bar (Browne’s Bar) on the lower ground floor as well as its own nightclub in the basement.
The stage is set
Now if Slane or the Conyngham family rang a bell with you long before its Traitors iteration then we’re not surprised.
As Slane has long been associated with big music festivals.
With it being 45 years this year since Irish rock pioneers Thin Lizzy played in the castle grounds.
With one Hazel O’Connor supporting Phil Lynott and his pals.
In the years since a who’s who of musicians have made Slane Castle a must-play venue.
Including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, David Bowie, Guns N’ Roses, Robbie Williams and of course U2 who have played Slane three times.
There have also been iconic sets from Madonna, Oasis, Bon Jovi, Eminem, the Foo Fighters and Harry Styles.
While this summer you can see Country superstar Luke Combs on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19.
With local favourites The Script among the support acts.
A Celtic connection
Now if you’ve Scottish and Irish blood running through you you will be in good company.
As so do the Conynghams are of similar Caledonian and Donegal stock as ourselves.
Which is probably why they turned on the taps and let the whiskey flow at their distillery and invited us down to partake.
All of which, in music and Slane Castle folklore remains in Slane Castle.
