Fans who had been hoping that AC/DC would headline Slane Castle this summer have been left disappointed after Lord Henry Mountcharles confirmed that there will be no gig taking place this year.

Lord Henry said that there were practical difficulties in hosting a concert in the coming months, as major construction works are taking place on the distillery in the grounds of the castle.



The county Meath venue hosted the Foo Fighters last year and just last month Lord Henry paid tribute to the late David Bowie, who played Slane in 1987, saying, "He was a seminal artist. I would have to say one of the coolest people to have ever performed at Slane."

Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mountcharles won't be hosting a gig on his premises this summer

Lord Mountcharles said that there was something in the pipeline for next year, but it was too early to say for certain. He also confirmed that among the changes expected next year at the castle will be a new restaurant. There has not been a restaurant at Slane Castle since before it was gutted by fire in 1991.

“There also wasn’t an act this year that really grabbed my attention. When work on the distillery is complete next year, it will make it much simpler,” he said. “So we have decided to focus on 2017.”

Slane Castle has played host to legendary performers over the years, including U2, Bob Dylan, Queen and Bruce Springsteen.