6 days ago
The favourites to headline as Slane Castle concerts set to return
Concerts at Slane Castle are expected to come back in 2026, on the 45th anniversary of its first ever gig.
For over four decades, bands, singers and rappers have headed to the Meath castle to play one of the most iconic venues in the country, and dare we say the world, with over 80,000 revellers usually heading to the field.
With Harry Styles being the last person to headline Slane in 2023, fans have been clamouring for the gigs to return — with the new lord of the castle, Alex Conyngham, confirming that he plans to bring the gigs back next year. U2 are the favourites to headline Slane next year. Pic: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
According to Ladbrokes, U2 are the hot favourites to headline Slane next year, with the odds of them performing at the Meath castle being 2/1.
Bono and co last performed at Slane in 2001 as part of their Elevation tour, and haven't played in their home country since 2018 when they played the 3Arena, as part of their Experience and Innocence Tour.
While most would think that, ahead of their huge Croke Park gig and after the reunion that most thought would never happen, Oasis would be a lock to play Slane — having last done so in 2009 — the brothers Gallagher are actually second favourites, with the odds of them performing at Slane for the first time in 17 years at 4/1. While the brothers Gallagher are on their insane reunion tour — which reaches Dublin next week — some believe that the band will return next year, with fingers being firmly crossed that they'll come to Slane. Pic:The lads were joined by their family members for the gig, tracing back their Irish roots as Peggy was born in Co Mayo, with Liam calling the gig 'f**king biblical' before they split two months later.
Following their mammoth reunion tour, which will finally come to Dublin on August 16 and 17, fans believe that Oasis will kick off a new tour next year (including an anticipated 30-year anniversary gig in Knebworth), but Some Might Say that Slane is also on the cards.
As for who else are dark horses to entertain the masses in Meath, Coldplay are coming up behind Oasis with odds of 5/1 (just don't bring the mistress), while Dublin's own Fontaines DC could take on their biggest gig ever as their careers go from strength to strength; coming in at 6/1 to headline the festival. Coldplay and Fontaines DC (pictured) are also rumoured to potentially take over Slane next summer — the latter of whom just headlined All Together Now in Waterford. Pic: Matt Crossick/Empics
'U2 are favourites to land in Meath once again and celebrate 25 years since their last appearance at the iconic venue,' Ladbrokes spokesperson Cal Gildart said. 'It's been a long while since they played in Ireland and this would be a beautiful way to return.'
Following the death of Lord Henry Mount Charles earlier this year, his son Alex Conyngham confirmed that they're looking to bring the festival back for 2026; but kept mum on who could be Meath bound.
'My plan is to stage a 2026 gig in Slane, and the only thing I'm willing to confirm at this stage is our desire to do so,' Mr Conyngham said. 'We want to bring the shows back, we miss them, but it is not just about the revenue but keeping the name of Slane as a rock venue on the map.'
WHO COULD HEADLINE SLANE NEXT YEAR: U2 – 2/1
Oasis – 4/1
Coldplay – 5/1
Fontaines DC – 6/1
