‘We hope it will blow people away’ – son of Lord Henry Mountcharles on new Slane Castle Christmas show

Alex Conyngham, who has three children – Laragh (15), Hugh (14) and Casper (12) – with wife Carina, is launching ­Enchanted Kingdom this week.

His eldest has Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can cause developmental delays alongside reduced mobility and verbal function.

"Thankfully, she has a mild variant of Rett syndrome, so she is able to walk. She has limited communication ability but is very affectionate and fun-loving. So I think this is going to be very enjoyable for her," he said.

As part of the research into the new project – a 1km multi-sensory journey through the woods around Slane ­Castle – they visited similar experiences in the UK.

"That was something we really enjoyed doing as a family. Laragh loves being outside and walking around, getting that sense of wonder through light and sound," he said.

"That made her giggle, so we felt there was a chance to do something similar at Slane. Audio and visual technology has evolved so much and you're now able to create some pretty spectacular experiences.

"We have done Christmas events in the past, but inside the castle. This gets people out in the grounds so they can enjoy the winter conditions.

But thanks to dad and the gigs, we have always been a place that offers larger-scale events

"Woodlands can be intimidating ­places in the winter, whereas we are transforming it into a magical, immersive light-and-sound experience. We hope it will blow people away."

Part of the proceeds will go towards Special Hands, a local voluntary ­parent-led activity group that works to improve the lives of youngsters with ­additional needs. Given that Laragh has used its services in the past, the Earl of Mount Charles was keen to raise awareness and funding for them.

Winters are naturally a quiet time for the Meath venue, which has 1,500 acres in the Boyne Valley and that can be "financially challenging" for them.

"But thanks to dad and the gigs, we have always been a place that offers larger-scale events," he said.

His famous father, who is 73, has battled a ­number of health issues in recent years, having been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013. The cancer returned in 2016, requiring further treatment and Alex said he had had another spell in hospital recently.

"He has been in and out of hospital. He's having a little bit of a rough ride, but he's a tough cat and always manages to maintain a positive attitude, which I admire," he said.

"Iona, my stepmum, has been an incredible support to him. So it's been challenging, but the main thing is the cancer is not active."

Harry Styles's gig there in June last year was hailed as the must-see concert of the summer. Asked when fans can expect to see the next headline act take to the stage in the venue, he said nothing had been confirmed yet for next year.

"There's nothing solid at the moment, but we're always keeping the door open. I think 2026 is looking strong. But it's an interesting time as stadium gigs with these very big artists, they can do multiple dates. So that has changed the landscape a little bit," he said.

"Slane has a beautiful field surrounded by trees, but it makes multiple dates close together challenging. We're ­continuing to evolve – live music will always be a part of what we do at Slane."

Tickets to the new Slane show can be booked at www.enchantedkingdom.ie