Windmill Lane Recording Studios

Windmill Lane Recording Studios is one of the world’s most legendary recording studios, born out of a passion for music and the desire to create a state-of-the-art facility in Dublin.

Founded in 1978 by Brian Masterson and James Morris, the studio originally operated on Windmill Lane, where the buildings became famous for the graffiti left by U2 fans from across the globe.

Since then, it has grown into Ireland’s premier music production center, attracting global superstars and local talents alike.

From AC/DC to U2 and The Cranberries, artists from all genres have recorded at Windmill Lane, now located in a stunning Art Deco building on Ringsend Road.

The studio features three cutting-edge recording spaces, with the largest able to accommodate an 80-piece orchestra. Its storied history includes iconic albums like U2’s “Boy,” Def Leppard’s “Hysteria,” and The Rolling Stones’ “Voodoo Lounge,” alongside collaborations with legends such as Van Morrison and The Cranberries.

Nick Younger, from Universal Music Ireland, said to RTÉ that “few studios in the world can compare to the incredible list of artists and producers who have recorded at Windmill Lane.”

Windmill Lane Recording Studios Tour

A visit to Windmill Lane Recording Studios offers a rare chance to explore the same studios where some of the biggest music rockers have worked.

You’ll learn how tracks are built, mix your own session with a virtual band, and hear stories about the legendary recordings that took place here. And if you’re lucky, you might even encounter Cosmo, the resident ghost!

Unfortunately, the building is not wheelchair-accessible.

Iconic songs recorded at Windmill Lane

Some iconic songs recorded at Windmill Lane Recording Studios:

• Mysterious Ways – U2
• Imitation of Life – R.E.M.
• Zombie – The Cranberries
• Old Town – Phil Lynott
• She’s A River – Simple Minds
• Julia Says – Wet Wet Wet

Albuns recorded at Windmill Lane

Some iconic albuns recorded at Windmill Lane Recording Studios:

1980: U2 – Boy
1981: U2 – October
1983: U2 – War
1987: Def Leppard – Hysteria
1990: AC/DC – The Razors Edge
1993: The Cranberries – Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?
1994: The Rolling Stones – Voodoo Lounge
1995: Van Morrison – Days Like This
1995: P J Harvey – To Bring You My Love
1995: Simple Minds – Good News from the Next World
1996: The Cranberries – To The Faithful Departed
1999: Van Morrison – Back On Top
2000: U2 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind
2001: R.E.M. – Reveal
2004: U2 – How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
2009: U2 – No Line On The Horizon
2017: U2 – Songs Of Experience
2019: The Script – Sunsets and Full Moons

Rock Route in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland, is famous for its rich musical history, having been the birthplace of bands and artists like U2, Kodaline, Sinead O’Connor, Thin Lizzy, and The Script. The city is an excellent destination for rock fans, with plenty of interesting places to visit that will make your trip even more musical.

For those who enjoy bars, Whelan’s and Bruxelles offer a great atmosphere. If you’re looking to catch a live show, be sure to check the schedule for 3Olympia Theatre, The Academy, and 3Arena, as these venues often host top international bands.

Vinyl lovers can head to Tower Records, a well-known store famous for its great selection of records.

A visit to the beloved Phil Lynott statue from Thin Lizzy is must on your musical itinerary.

To plan your complete rock-inspired trip to Dublin (or other cities and countries around the world), check out all the guides we’ve already published here on Travel2Concert!