Lord Henry Mount Charles, best known for staging concerts at his familial home of Slane Castle in Co Meath, has died at the age of 74, his family confirmed on Thursday, June 19.
Lord Henry, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014, passed away peacefully last night, June 18, his family said in a statement today.
“A beloved husband, father, grandfather and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry’s courage and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him,” the statement said.
“Lord Henry (74) 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.”
Leading tributes on Thursday was President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, who said: "Lord Henry’s contribution was quite unique and a very important turning point in live music in Ireland when he decided to begin using the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle as a venue at which public performances could be held by some of the most contemporary makers of music.
"It wasn’t just in relation to very well known events that Henry was involved, he had a deep interest in promotion of music including new and young talent."
Slane Castle, County Meath.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in a statement: "His contribution to music and culture in Ireland was immense."
Very saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Henry Mount Charles. pic.twitter.com/erNqSOdItR
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 19, 2025
Tánaiste Simon Harris also paid tribute, saying his "unrivalled wit, warmth and generosity" would not be forgotten and thanked him for bringing music, culture and pride to Meath.
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Lord Henry Mount Charles.
Lord Henry will always be known for his unrivalled wit, his ability to light up a room, and his incredible sense of warmth and generosity. pic.twitter.com/qVAeVF1dCT
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 19, 2025
Read more
Who was Lord Henry Mount Charles?
Born Henry Conyngham, the 8th Marquess Conyngham, in 1949, Lord Henry was more than just a titleholder.
The title of Marquess Conyngham dates back to the 19th century, and while the family was key players in British and Irish political life, Lord Henry was not a typical aristocrat.
He was behind one of Ireland’s most beloved cultural institutions, Slane Castle, transforming it from a quiet stately home in the 1980s to a global music destination.
Lord Henry, in 1998 (via RollingNews).
Educated at Harvard University in the US, he chose to carve his own path, one that combined his passion for music with his responsibility for the family estate.
Slane Castle, a 300-year-old estate perched above the River Boyne in Co Meath, had fallen on hard times when Lord Henry inherited it. A fire in 1991 nearly destroyed it, but Lord Henry rebuilt with the same vision he had used to launch the now-legendary Slane Concerts.
The first major concert, Thin Lizzy in 1981, set the tone. What followed was a who's who of global music royalty: The Rolling Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Queen, Oasis, Eminem, Metallica, and many more.
These weren’t just gigs—they were pilgrimages. Once a year, 80,000 fans descended on the Boyne Valley for an unforgettable mix of music, mud, and magic.
These concerts played a huge role in opening Ireland to international touring acts and redefining its music scene.
Mel C of the Spice Girls and Lord Henry, photographed in 2000. (via RollingNews)
Lord Henry was as comfortable hosting heads of state as he was hanging backstage with rock stars.
He became a familiar face on Irish TV, known for his sharp tongue and deep love for Irish culture.
In recent years, Lord Henry stepped back due to ill health, passing the day-to-day running of Slane Castle and the distillery to his son, Alex Conyngham—known to most as the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Aristocrat.”
Alex, the Earl of Mount Charles, has continued the legacy with style, transforming the estate into a thriving venue, event space, and whiskey destination. Slane Irish Whiskey, launched in 2017, now exports globally and has become a cornerstone of the castle’s modern identity.
Alex Conyngham.
Lord Henry's vision wasn’t just about music. He revitalized tourism in Co Meath and fought to preserve the estate’s history.
He was passionate about keeping the property in Irish hands and opening it up to the public, whether for a historic tour, a wedding, or a whiskey tasting.
The castle is now one of the most visited heritage properties in Ireland, thanks in large part to Lord Henry’s mix of marketing savvy and genuine warmth.
As one fan posted simply online, “Thanks for the music, Lord Henry. Slane won’t be the same without you.”
A peer, a promoter, and a true Irish original, Lord Henry Mount Charles' legacy will live on through his family and the extraordinary Slane Castle destination in Co Meath.
Comments