U2Tour.de Travelguide Dublin & Ireland - english version

0: 1. Windmill Lane Studios

U2 recorded their first albums here. In particular, it is where 'Boy', 'October', the single 'A Celebration', and 'War' saw the light of day with producer Steve Lillywhite, as well as of course U2’s first EP 'U2Three' (produced by Chas De Whalley). Parts of 'The Unforgettable Fire' were first recorded in Slane Castle with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, and were then completed here. Also the final version of 'The Joshua Tree' was recorded in Windmill Lane as well as Dublin’s 'STS Studios'.

More infos and pics

1: 2. Dockers Pub (closed)

U2’s old local pub.

Due to building works in the docks the Dockers Pub has unfortunately been closed since September 2004. Meanwhile the front cannot be seen anymore, actually we don't know if and when it will be reopened again.

More infos and pics

2: 3. Principle Management Offices (moved)

Long time home of the band’s management, fans were only rarely, if ever, granted entry here. Which was unfortunate, as there were much of interest to see. The top floor not only hosted the offices of e.g. Paul McGuinness, but also many U2 rarities, from old tour posters and gold and platin awards to photos of the band with other celebrities and much more.

Due to financial reasons U2 moved to Holland in August 2006.

More infos and pics

3: 4. Hannover Quay Studios

Still U2's current head quarter and recording studio (they moved here between late 1994 and early 1995). The main studio is directly above the garage, the building on the right with car access at the very end. The U2 studios and Harry Crosbie premises (a well known Dublin business man also involved in the extension of the Clarence Hotel) are the only old buildings still standing on the left waterfront of the quay, everything else has been torn down or even already been re-built.

More infos and pics

4: 5. Windmill Lane Recording Studios (Ringsend Road)

The infamous Windmill Lane Recording Studios, originally located at Windmill Lane, moved into these new premises in 1989. The name remained, the address has changed. According to staff, also after the move all of U2’s new albums were partly recorded or mixed here.

More infos and pics

5: 6. Factory Studios

U2 have used this studio to prepare for their tours and record a number of songs. According to staff here, U2 played in Studio 1, as it is the building’s biggest. Today the Factory is still used by some of Ireland’s best known artists.

More infos and pics

6: 7. East Link Bridge

This draw-bridge is featured in the Pride (In The Name Of Love) (Version 1) video. It is the last bridge crossing the Liffey at the city’s border and connects Grand Canal Docks in the south with The Point Depot Theatre in the north.

More infos and pics

7: 7. Grand Canal Docks

U2 had many photo shoots around the Grand Canal Docks. The album cover for ''October' is a photo taken in this area, and some more pictures in front of the docks were taken for the booklet accompanying 'The Best of 1990-2000'.

More infos and pics

8: 8. The O2 (The Point Depot Theater)

Ireland’s most famous music venue. It was built in 1878 as a train depot and closed in 1950. Unused until 1987, it was purchased by business man Harry Crosbie and restored. Reopened in 1988, U2 played their Christmas and New Year’s Eve 1989-1990 concerts here, and the venue is also known from the ‘store room’ scenes in 'Rattle And Hum'.

More infos and pics

9: 9. The Clarence Hotel

The Clarence Hotel was built in 1852 and since 1992 is co-owned by Bono and The Edge (another investor is Dublin’s business mogul Harry Crosbie). It is one of Ireland’s top hotels and a favourite night spot of the band and their friends. On 27 September 2000 the band played a few songs on the hotel roof for the English TV show 'Top of the Pops' and caused a traffic chaos in the surrounding streets

More infos and pics

10: 9. The Kitchen

In the hotel’s basement an exclusive club, The Kitchen, is located, in former times also regularly frequented by the band, to mainly electronic music. The club shut down in 2002 (News), but reopened again. Check out their homepage for opening hours and events.

More infos and pics

11: 10. The Project Arts Centre

U2 played many of their early concerts here. Bill Graham, HOT PRESS journalist and a friend of the band from the very beginning, introduced the band to film and music producer Paul McGuinness here after a gig, on 25 May 1978. After some hesitation from both sides McGuinness became their manager.

More infos and pics

12: 11. STS Studios (now Claddagh Records)

In the STS Studios many (complementary) recordings for U2’s records (Achtung Baby and Rattle And Hum among others) were made. Today it calls itself Claddagh Records and specialices in Irish music, which can be purchased in their shop on Cecilia Street.

More infos and pics

13: 12. Temple Bar

Temple Bar is the famous clubbing and drinking district directly in the heart of Dublin, close to O'Connell Bridge. Here you can find numerous pubs and clubs, and streets are crowded with tourists and partying Irish. Many of the described U2 sights are also located here, such as the Clarence Hotel or the Project Arts Centre. U2 posed in this quarter, that also features the Half Penny Bridge from 1816 (until 1919 one had to pay half a penny to cross the bridge), for their first photo shoots.

More infos and pics

14: 13. Nude (closed)

At the moment Nude is closed. A sign at the doors gives hope for a reopening?!

Since 1999 Bono’s brother Norman Hewson has been running Café Nude, and since then more branches have been opened, e.g. in Dublin airport. Right next to Nude used to be the Italian restaurant Tosca, also owned by Norman Hewson, though it was shut in August 2000 in order to look after the more successful Nude chain. Today Tosca’s old rooms are inhabitated by Café Twenty-Four.

More infos and pics

15: 14. Lilies Bordello

One of Bono’s current favourite clubs. Expensive and exclusive club, where the stars meet and without connections entry is pretty much impossible. Musically it offers a mixed programme with mainstream pop, garage & house, funk and club classics.

More infos and pics

16: 15. Captain Americas

17: 16. Dandelion Car Park - St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre

In the summer of 1979 U2 played multiple concerts here in order to cleverly circumvent strict Irish licensing laws that prohibit underage youths the entry to clubs. The concerts took place on Saturdays and attracted more people every time, particularly under-18s.

More infos and pics

18: 17. The Baggot Inn

The Bagott Inn used to be one of the most popular venues with young Dublin bands. U2 played their first documented concert here on 21.08.1979.

After more than 5 years The Baggot Inn has reopened again, take a look at their homepage for more infos and opening hours.

More infos and pics

19: 18. Fitzwilliam Square

On 20 September 1998 U2 filmed the video for '‘Sweetest Thing' here. In the video one sees Bono, sitting in a horse-drawn carriage, riding along the street. Next to Bono, Edge, Adam and Larry many celebrities have cameos in the video: Bono’s wife Ali, the Irish boy group Boyzone, 'Riverdance' dancers, the Irish Boxer Steve Collins, the 'Artane Boys Band', the 'Chippendales', Bono’s brother Norman Hewson and an elephant named Rani.

More infos and pics

20: 19. POD (Place Of Dance)

The POD (Place Of Dance) is a famous night club in Dublin. U2's Batman song 'Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me' was unveiled to the public here in 1995 – by Bono himself. In the same year Bono was guest at a Prince after show gig and sang 'The Cross' with him.

More infos and pics

21: 20. Lansdowne Road - Aviva Stadium

The venerable Lansdowne Road (Irish: Bóthar Lansdún) Stadium was built in the early 19th century. It hosted its first international rugby match in 1878 and therefore it is now the world's oldest international stadium.

When it was closed in 2007, Lansdowne Road held ca. 50,000 spectators with 25,000 seats. It regularly hosted international matches of the Irish National Football Team and the Irish Rugby Football Union. The legendary World Cup Qualifier on 1 September 2001, that was broadcast on the screens at Slane Castle, also took place at Lansdowne Road. In addition, the stadium was regularly used for concert events. Apart from U2, other bands as e.g. R.E.M., The Eagles, Oasis, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Corrs performed here.

More infos and pics

22: 21. Royal Dublin Society (RDS)

The RDS is located south-east of the city centre. The abbreviation stands for 'Royal Dublin Society', more exactly the complex is called 'RDS Irish International Convention and Exhibition Centre'. It is the biggest and most versatile event centre in Irland. Here conferences, exhibitions, sporting events and concerts take place. From small conference rooms to a variety of concert halls (Main Hall, Concert Hall, Simmonscourt) the RDS offers everything.

More infos and pics

23: 22. Hot Press Irish Music Hall Of Fame (closed)

Closed. Currently looking for a new location, a date for re-opening is not known.

24: 23. Bonavox - Hearing Aid Store

This shop is the source of Bono’s name. Already early on Bono was member in a youth group called 'Lypton Village', with Gavin Friday and Guggi among others (see Bono Biography). One evening they hung out in O'Connell und Earl Street and decided that 'Bono Vox' would be quite a good name for Bono - 'Bona Vox' means ‘good voice’ in Latin. At one point the ‘Vox’ was lost, and since then Paul Hewson calls himself simply Bono.

More infos and pics

25: 24. Savoy Cinema

The Savoy Cinema is Dublin's oldest cinema and features Ireland's largest screen even today. In other words, it is 'the' cinema for movie premieres in Ireland. In 1988 the world premiere of 'Rattle And Hum' took place here, for which U2 also played a few songs. In 2003 Bono and Edge celebrated the Ireland premiere of 'Gangs Of New York' here, and again performed a couple of songs.

More infos and pics

26: 25. The National Wax Museum Plus

Dublin’s Wax Museum is of course modeled after London’s Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, but also features many famous Irish people as well visitors to the island. Apart from the Dungeon and the Children’s Section there is a ‘Hall of Megastars' that of course includes U2. Do not expect too much, though, as the whole museum seems a little run down. And the sunglasses that Bono is wearing was hopefully never part of his outfit! Yet it is still worth a visit during bad weather.

Entrance is € 12.- for adult, €10.- for students and € 8.- for kids.

More infos and pics

27: 26. SFX Centre (demolished)

The SFX Centre was one of Dublins concert venues often visited by national and international acts. In December 1982 U2 played three concerts here during their Pre-War Tour. In 1984 the indoor footage for the video of 'Pride (In The Name Of Love) (Version 1)' were filmed here. Later the SFX Centre was also used as exhibition space and for night clubs.

In the meantime the building was demolished and a new one is now on its place.

More infos and pics

28: 27. Croke Park

After extensive refurbishments, Croke Park now seats about 80.000 visitors and is among the most modern stadiums in the world. It played a role in U2’s history on several occasions: on 29 June 1985 they played here during their Unforgettable Fire Tour, on 27 and 28 June 1987 as part of their Joshua Tree Tour, and on 21 June 2003 U2 performed at the opening of the Special Olympics. During the Vertigo-Tour U2 visited Croke Park three times, 24th, 25th and on the 27th of June in 2005, during the U2360 Tour on 24th, 25th and 27th of July 2009.

More infos and pics

29: 28. Mount Temple Comprehensive School

The band’s school. This is where Larry pinned his famous message on the notice board: 'Wasted lots of money with drum kit, who did the same with a guitar?'
On our photos you see some rare indoor pictures of the school, including the music room, where also the band members where taught. Further there is a Chemistry Kit, which could be borrowed by pupils by putting down their name on the kit. You can clearly spot a signature of 'David Evans', now better know as The Edge!

More infos and rare pics

30: 29. The Artane Boys Band

In his youth Larry was a member of this marching band, that performs at numerous street parades and festivals every year. In addition, they often perform at big sporting events in Croke Park or international tours.

More infos and pics

31: 30. Larrys Childhood Home - 60 Rosemount Avenue

Larry was born and grew up in Artane, in Dublin’s north. Here in Rosemount Avenue the band’s first meeting and rehearsal took place, after Larry put up the famous note in Mount Temple Comprehensive School. Everyone wanted to play guitar and plugged into Adam’s amplifier. The rehearsal took place in the kitchen, which obviously was too small, so that Larry’s drum kit had to be put up outside the door in the garden. Of course Bono wanted to play lead guitar, but given his poor skill, he was quickly handed a rhythm guitar instead – no change there, then.

More infos and pics

32: 31. Bonos Childhood Home - 10 Cedarwood Road

In June 1960, 7 weeks after Bono's birth, his parents Bobby and Iris bought this house. He spent his entire childhood here. With age 13 we went to the Mount Temple Comprehensive School at Malahide Road. In September 1974 his mother died. From this on Bono spent his life with his father Bobby and his brother Norman.

More infos and pics

33: 32. Ballymun

Bono and the band grew up in this northern area of Dublin, and it is featured in the song ''Running To Stand Still': I see seven towers, but I only see one way out. Meant are the so-called Ballymun Towers (seven distinct high-rise blocks), and the difficulty many people face in leaving this residential area and its social sphere.

More infos and pics

34: 33. Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is Europe’s largest park, with a circumference of 11km. It was created in 1747 at the location of a spring from which it takes its name: fionn uisce, pronounced ‘phoenix’ in English, and literally translated as ‘clear water’. The park also hosts a park. The main entrance is located on the east side on Parkgate Street. U2 played a gig here on 14 June 1983.

More infos and pics

35: 34. Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Goal – as seen in the ''A Celebration' video – is an old, historical prison west of the city centre. It is no longer in use, and is now accessible to the public. The building has was used for many movies, including ‘In The Name Of The Father’ for which Bono, Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer wrote the soundtrack.

More infos and pics

36: 35. The Blue Light Pub

In this rustic pub at the foot of the Dublin mountains Adam was caught taking drugs. During a routine check by police on 06 August 1989 on the pub’s parking lot police found 19g of marihuana in Adam’s care, and he was charged with possession and suspicion of dealing with cannabis. Though at first arrested, he is only sentenced to a penalty of 25.000 Irish Pounds, payable to a women’s shelter, because the suspicion of dealing cannot be proven. Escaping a prison sentence, Adam is then issued with a visa for the forthcoming tour, which otherwise may have been rejected.


More infos and pics

37: 36. Gaiety Theatre

On Dec. 13th 2004 U2 shot a video to their 2nd (worldwide) single of teh album HTDAAB 'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own' in the Gaiety Theatre. One day earlier a runour went through the internet, on the 13th hundrets of fans welcomed the band on their arrival to get some pictures and autographs.

More infos and pics

38: 37. Wall Of Fame

The Wall Of Fame in Dublin is a tribute to the most important musicians in Ireland. Each artist or group has an own window. U2 is in the upper left corner. The picture was taken in 1980 by Sheila Rock.

More infos and pics

39: 38. Sheriff Street

The video 'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own' was (partially) filmed in Sheriff Street, Dublin. The 'Single-Take-Version', which is on the U2 DVD 'U2 Vertigo 2005 - Live From Chicago', contains only pictures from this street.

More infos and pics

40: 39. Hard Rock Cafe Dublin

Like in every larger city in the world there is also a Hard Rock Cafe in Dublin. Of course you can find there several collectibles from U2. There is a Trabbie from the ZooTV-era on the ceiling, also a blue tinted Bvlgari sunglasses worn by Bono in U2's Beautiful Day music video.

More infos and pics

41: 01. Killiney - Bonos Home

Since everyone can find out about Bono’s address, there is no need to make a secret of it here.

Bono's and Edge's present home. Killiney is a suburb of Dublin where the rich and famous live. When the weather is good it reminds one of Ireland’s south, partly due to its beautiful beach. A walk at Killiney Beach is highly recommended. This also gives you a good view of Bono’s house (picture 4). In 2001 plans to extend the house by one more floor were rejected by the local planning council. So in September 2003 Bono simply bought his neighbour’s house for about one million euros.

42: 01b. Edges Home

43: 02. Slane Castle

U2 connects something really special with Slane Castle. Located in the beautiful Boyne Valley it can be hired for weddings, conferences or the like. Once a year it is also a venue for concerts. Already in 1981 U2 had their first performance as a support act for Thin Lizzy. History continues in 1984, when U2 made recordings for 'The Unforgettable Fire' in the rooms of the castle. Lord Henry Mountcharles, Slane Castle’s owner, talked about that in an interview published in Hotpress Magazine in August 2004 (News).

More infos and pics

44: 03. Moydrum Castle

Moydrum Castle is shown on the cover of U2’s fourth LP, 'The Unforgettable Fire'. It is a ruin, and can be found close to Athlone.
On 2 July 1921 British troops attacked three small farms in Coosan and burned their property. The IRA decided to strike back and agreed to do the same to supporters of the British rule. They choose Moydrum because over 200 years this had been an origin of British power.

More infos and pics

45: 04. Carrigogunnell Castle

This is the ruin pictured inside the booklet for the 'The Unforgettable Fire'. It was built on a rock and offers great panoramic views across the delta area of the Shannon.
'Carrigogunnell Castle' means as much as 'the castle of the candles'.

More infos and pics

46: 05. Kellystown Road - Adams home