The electrifying drama of The Traitors Ireland has taken RTE viewers by storm, and the buzz is only growing louder. Slane Castle, the majestic backdrop for the show’s deliciously devious gameplay, is already gearing up for a second season, according to its new custodian, Alex Conyngham. The iconic castle’s towering walls, sprawling ramparts, and grand reception rooms have become the perfect stage for the show’s cloak-and-dagger antics, captivating audiences across Ireland and beyond.
Hosted by the inimitable Siobhán McSweeney, whose charm and wit have earned her widespread praise, The Traitors Ireland has aired for just a month but was filmed in a whirlwind two-week period last April. The show, a high-stakes game of deception, pits “faithfuls” against secretly appointed “traitors” who “murder” one contestant each night. By day, players band together in thrilling missions—like rolling whiskey barrels from Slane Castle’s own distillery uphill—to boost a tantalizing prize fund. The tension climaxes at the iconic roundtable, a setting so grand that producer Darren Smith revealed Slane was chosen specifically for its ability to accommodate this pivotal feature.
Alex Conyngham, who took over the castle’s operations following the passing of his father, Henry Mount Charles, in June, is brimming with optimism about the show’s future. Speaking to The Irish Sun, he noted the global success of the Traitors franchise, which has yet to see a single country pass on a second season. “I am very optimistic,” Alex said. “It’s a hugely successful franchise in so many different countries. I don’t think there is a single case where it hasn’t gone to a second series.”
The show’s gripping format has sparked a global frenzy, and Slane Castle is ready to ride the wave. Alex, who is also hosting the CAIM contemporary art exhibition at the castle from September 12 to 30, is eager to welcome back RTE—and even international broadcasters—looking to capture the castle’s unique magic. “There is a global buzz around Traitors, and I think it is going to present us in a new light,” he said. “It’s a castle full of stories, and we are going to add a new chapter.”
Siobhán McSweeney, fresh off glowing reviews for her appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show, where RTE viewers hailed her as “brilliant” for opening up about her acting career, has proven to be the perfect host. Her sharp intuition and magnetic presence keep contestants and audiences alike on their toes. One such contestant, Tyrone schoolteacher Niall McKeown, the third to be “murdered,” reflected on his experience with RTE Radio. As the only Northern contestant, Niall worried his distinct accent might make him an early target in a game where blending in is key. “The accent is quite harsh compared to the south and makes you visible in a game where you are trying not to stand out,” he admitted. Despite his hopes of playing a traitor, Niall sensed Siobhán saw through his playful demeanor: “She could see through the smile, in the sense of, ‘This lad is just up for the craic’.”
With its intoxicating mix of suspense, strategy, and Slane Castle’s storied grandeur, The Traitors Ireland has cemented itself as must-watch television. As plans for a second season take shape earlier than anyone expected, the world is watching, ready for the next chapter in this global phenomenon.