Aristocrat who brought world famous music acts to Ireland dies

Lord Henry Mount Charles, whose ancestral home has played host to world famous music acts such as Queen and Bruce Springsteen, has died aged 74.

Lord Mount Charles, who was custodian of Slane Castle in County Meath, died on Wednesday, after a “battle with cancer,” his family said.

In a statement they said he left 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.”

The 8th Marquess Conyngham got an Industry Award at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in 2010.

Lord Mount Charles became a household name in Ireland in the 1980s as some of the world’s biggest music stars took to the stage at Slane Castle.

Thin Lizzy headlined the inaugural concert in the summer of 1981.

The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Queen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Kings Of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, REM and Metallica are just some of the world-renowned acts that have also headlined the venue.

After a four-year hiatus, music returned to the castle when Harry Styles headlined there in 2023.

Some 80,000 fans turned up to see the former One Direction singer and Lord Mount Charles was there to oversee the return of gigs to his castle.