A little bit of history

If anyone remembers our wedding and fancies buying a bit if history......ONE of Meath`s longest established and best-known hotels, the Conyngham Arms in Slane, will be auctioned next month.The landmark hotel has been patronised for many years as a popular weddings and functions venue and services one of the most prosperous agricultural hinterlands in the country. It will be auctioned by John P Younge at the IAVI Headquarters in Merrion Square, Dublin, on Thursday 6th March, with an AMV in the region of E3.5 million.The distinctive period-style fully licensed hotel takes its name from the Conyngham family, Earls of Mountcharles, of the nearby Slane Castle. While the present peer is best known for his hosting of rock concerts at the family pile, past owners of the local castle have also been well-known in their day.One of these was William Burton Conyngham, who died in 1796 and when the contents of his library were being auctioned in 1810, was described as: “A profound scholar and antiquary and intimately connected with all the `Learned Men of his day.”His CV included being member of parliament, and of his Majesty`s Privy Council, Teller of the Exchequer in Ireland, one of the first commissioners of the Board of the Treasury, trustee of the linen board, and governor of the Foundling Hospital and of the Workhouse of the city of Dublin. He was also a patron of the arts, an active member of the Antiquites Section of the Royal Dublin Society, founder member and treasurer of the Royal Irish Academy, and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in London.William was born in 1733 as William Burton, son of Francis Burton of Buncraggy, Co Clare, and of Mary, sister of the first Earl Conyngham, who died without issue in 1781.When he died, the Conyngham Estates were divided between Mary`s two sons, Francis Pierpoint and William, who inherited the Donegal and Slane estates. The brothers took the surname Conyngham by royal licence. William Burton was a contemporary of the leading lights of the day, such as Sir Joshua Reynolds and James Gandon, the architect. He was a member of the Wide Streets Commission for 20 years, which decided the routing of many of Dublin`s streets, as they remain to this day.When he died, the Mountcharles estates were reunited under one owner, his nephew, who became Viscount Conyngham, Earl of Mountcharles, and Marquis Conyngham, ancestor of the present Lord Henry of rock concert fame.The hotel which carries the family name comprises a residents` lounge, restaurant, lounge bar and servery, traditional-style public bar and function room.The entrance vestibule and reception leads to the residents` lounge, split-level restaurant, an inner lobby and toilets. The lounge bar and servery consists of a carvery counter, fitted lounge bar counter, part-panelled walls and is part-fitted with carpet. An inner section contains an L-shaped mahogany bar counter, carved bar fixture, picture window and a Victorian fireplace.Other facilities includes a back lobby, plant room, kitchen, wash-up areas, staff hall, wc facilities and changing rooms. The function room is divided into two sections, one of which has a fully fitted bar. There is an outer lobby off this with a beer store.The first and second floor accommodation is made up of a manager`s office, eight double guest bedrooms, two family bedrooms, three twin rooms and one three-bed bedroom, all of which are en-suite.Outside, there is an landscaped rear garden, as well as parking for 50 to 60 cars. Viewing is by appointment with the selling agent, John P Younge, 35 Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin 2, who can be contacted on (01) 661 8428