The impressive site overlooking the River Boyne is surmounted by an elegant assembly of turrets, crenellations and artificial machiolations. The castle was built between 1785 and 1821 on the site of a confiscated Flemish frortress purchased by the Conynghams in 1641. It was designed by James Gandon, James Wyatt, Francis Johnston and Thomas Hopper. Capability Brown designed the stables and grounds, though he never came to Slane