2021 Award Winners 'MOVERS & SHAKERS' AWARD 2021

Alex and Carina Conyngham Slane Castle and Rock Farm

 This is usually our Hospitality Hero award, which would include just about everyone this year. But, 40 years since Lord Henry Mountcharles’s first rock concert at Slane Castle, what a year to celebrate the achievements of this remarkable family. Now that Lord Henry’s son Alex and his wife Carina have taken over the running of the estate, they've revitalised not only the castle estate but also the surrounding village of Slane and the Boyne Valley with their weekly farmers’ market and Neighbourhood collection point at Rock Farm (famed for organic production and ecotourism); the Silver Fox food truck on the grounds of the castle (coupled with new walks around the grounds); their courtyard marquee serving tacos and drinks; and their imaginative collaboration with Dublin restaurant Allta, which decamped to Slane for two months to create the lovely Allta Summerhouse. They've also opened up the castle to tours and of course Alex has started the whiskey distillery on the grounds too. It's wonderful to see the castle being opened up to the local public to enjoy and Alex and Carina's energy and vision have well and truly put Slane and the Boyne Valley on the map as an exciting food destination and show the power of a strong food offering to breathe new life into something special.