Slane Distillery won’t let Covid dampen spirits for St Patrick’s

Irish artists head celebrations at historic concert venue

With Covid-19 still very much a threat, St Patrick’s Day celebrations this year are looking a little different.

Zoom parties, beers in the garden and takeaway cocktails have become de rigueur in the past 12 months, as have online gigs.

Slane Irish Whiskey isn’t letting the current restrictions stop the celebrations, mind you and is broadcasting a celebratory online concert from its County Meath distillery.

Slane Sessions takes place ahead of St Patrick’s Day, kicking off at 8pm GMT on Saturday 13 March and premiering on the Hot Press
YouTube channel.

Topping the bill is Dublin-born musician Damien Dempsey, below, whose blend of traditional Irish folk and often biting social commentary have made him a firm favourite with audiences.

Cranking it up a notch will be THUMPER, who bill themselves as “noise-pop sextet, delivering bubblegum psych through a wall of sonic death”.

Slane Castle’s part in music history is well documented, having hosted rock royalty from Prince to Queen, U2 and David Bowie over the years.

And co-founder of the Slane Distillery, Alex Conyngham didn’t want the music to be stopped by Covid.

‘A night full of life’

He said: “For St Patrick’s Day we are delighted to be teaming up with Damien Dempsey, one of the greatest Irish voices of the modern era who will take centre stage at The Slane Sessions on the 13th of March.

“Also joining the stage will be THUMPER, a high-flying Dublin sextet who have been blazing a trail in the Irish post-punk scene.

“Through this collaboration with two of Irish music’s modern giants, The Slane Sessions celebrates the meeting of tradition and innovation – guaranteeing a night full of life and bold sound in celebration of Ireland’s national day and of course, our whiskey”.

Slane has also created short videos of simple serves using Slane Irish Whiskey, inviting people to create their own little piece of St Patrick’s day at home in a cocktail. You can also access Slane’s first-ever Spotify St Patrick’s Day playlist here, which captures the St Patrick’s Day spirit and allows people to celebrate together through the sounds of Slane’s world-renowned concerts.