Top Tips for the Gig of the Year: Slane Castle 2011

We’re getting VERY excited about the gig of the year: Kings of Leon in Slane Castle on 28th May. So excited that we’re giving away tickets! Enter Competition

KOL follow acts such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Queen and REM, who have performed in this stately venue. In fact, U2 lived briefly in Slane Castle! Check out our top tips for attending the gig of the year – and find out how to see the Kings in the Castle!

Nothing beats Slane Castle as a venue. We’ve seen Queen, U2, Verve, Guns n Roses, Neil Young, Robbie Williams and REM there (feeling old now!) – so we’ve learned a thing of two over the years.

1. Comfy Shoes
No one likes fab heels as much as we do, but bear in mind that a lot of the areas around the Castle are closed off to traffic, so coaches / public buses often leave you quite a walk from the venue. There’s great ‘craic’ along the way as you walk – just stick a pair of flip flops or flats in your bag, and you’ll be glad!

2. Sunscreen and Rain Gear
Yes, sunscreen. In Ireland. You’d be surprised how strong the sun can be here sometimes. Of course, this is the land of ‘four seasons in one day’, so rain gear is always a good idea. We’re not saying that disposable rain ponchos are trendy, but you’ll feel pretty smug if you’ve got one and the heavens open!

3. Arrange a Meeting Point
Just like your mum told you to! Seriously, with 80,000 people milling around food stands, bars and toilets, it’s easy to get lost, and you don’t want to spend precious gig time looking for your mates.

4. Pace Yourself
Slane is the gig of the year, absolutely fantastic atmosphere. The moment when the main band comes on stage is electric – but it’s after hours of support bands, so take it easy on the booze early in the day so you’re in top form for the headline act.

That’s it – all you need for a fantastic experience at the Slane Castle gig. Handiest way to get there from Dublin is with Dublin Bus, who are running shuttles from Parnell Square in Dublin city from 12 noon to 6pm – tickets €25, or €20 if pre-booked.

See the Kings in the Castle – for free!

We’ve got four tickets to see Kings of Leon in Slane Castle, plus accommodation and transport to and from the gig! To be in with a chance to win, just enter our sweepstakes competition on Facebook -good luck!