Lord Henry Mount Charles of Slane Castle dies aged 74
Olivia Kelleher
The death has been announced of Lord Henry Mount Charles, the 74-year-old custodian of Slane Castle in Co Meath, following a “long and valiant battle with cancer.”
A statement issued on behalf of his family announced the peaceful passing of the Marquess Conyngham on Wednesday evening.
“(He was) a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry’s courage, and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him.
"Lord Henry leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland’s heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music, and community.
"His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour, and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues, and admirers across generations.”
The family also expressed their “heartfelt gratitude” to the exceptional staff at St James’s Hospital as well as the many caregivers who supported Lord Henry with compassion over the last decade. They are also “deeply moved” by the outpouring of public kindness and solidarity during this difficult journey.
“As they navigate this time of loss, the family kindly requests privacy to grieve and reflect on Lord Henry’s remarkable life. Funeral arrangements will remain private.
"Lord Henry’s light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland’s cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten."
Meanwhile, an RTÉ documentary on the life of Lord Henry titled “A Lord in Slane : Henry Mountcharles” aired last December. It depicted his work at Slane Castle and in particular his achievement in making Slane the premier outdoor concert venue in the country.
The first ever Slane rock concert saw Thin Lizzy and U2 headline the legendary rock and roll venue in 1981. Other acts who have performed at Slane include David Bowie, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and REM.
