Rich in history and culture, Dublin is the capital of Ireland and the birthplace of one of the most influential rock bands of all time: U2. If you’re planning a trip to Dublin (and maybe even hoping to catch a good concert while you’re there, right?), check out our tips on what’s worth including in your U2 Dublin itinerary.
U2 and Dublin
For many, U2 has become synonymous with Dublin. The band formed here in 1976, and their connection to the city remains strong, even after decades of global success.
Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. were shaped by the streets and neighborhoods of Dublin, and in turn, they shaped the city’s musical identity.
For U2 fans, or anyone interested in visiting significant places in rock history, a trip to Dublin offers a unique opportunity to follow in the band’s footsteps, exploring sites that witnessed their rise to fame.
In this guide, we’ll highlight key U2 spots in Dublin, along with their addresses. Most of these places are easy to visit on foot.
U2 Tour: places to visit in Dublin
- Windmill Lane Recording Studios
- Filming location of U2’s “Sweetest Thing” video
- Bono’s childhood home
- Bonavox store (the origin of Bono’s name)
- School where U2 was formed
- The Clarence Hotel
- The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience
- Hard Rock Cafe Dublin
- Captain Americas
- U2 exhibition at the Little Museum of Dublin
- Portrait of Bono at the National Gallery of Ireland
U2 Tour: Windmill Lane Recording Studios
Windmill Lane Recording Studios played a crucial role in U2’s career from the very beginning.
Founded in 1978, it’s where the band recorded their first albums, such as Boy (1980), October (1981), and War (1983), helping to shape the sound that would make them one of the world’s biggest rock bands.
Originally located on Windmill Lane, the studio became a pilgrimage site for fans, who filled its outer walls with graffiti and messages for the band. As U2’s fame grew, so did the studio’s reputation, establishing it as a musical epicenter in Dublin.
Since 1990, Windmill Lane Recording Studios has operated from a new location on Ringsend Road, in an iconic Art Deco building. Despite the move, the studio has maintained its cutting-edge reputation, serving as the recording site for U2’s albums All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000) and No Line On The Horizon (2009).
Today, fans can take guided tours of the studio, exploring the same spaces where the band created some of their most memorable music. It remains a symbol of U2’s musical journey, with a legacy that endures.
Windmill Lane Recording Studios
Address: 20 Ringsend Rd, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: Filming location of U2’s “Sweetest Thing” video
Another iconic spot for U2 fans is the area around Fitzwilliam Place and Upper Fitzwilliam Street, where the “Sweetest Thing” video was filmed on September 20, 1998.
This song, written by Bono as an apology for forgetting his wife Ali Hewson’s birthday, came to life in a fun video filled with special cameos. The video features Bono riding in a carriage through the streets around Fitzwilliam Square, with various quirky scenes appearing, including appearances by Ali, the boyband Boyzone, the Artane Boys Band, and the famous Riverdance dancers.
With its charming Georgian architecture and tree-lined streets, Fitzwilliam Square has become a must-see for fans because of its connection to the video. Visitors will likely find themselves humming the song as they stroll through the area.
“Sweetest Thing” filming locations
Address: Fitzwilliam Place and Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: Bono’s childhood home
Bono’s childhood home, located at 10 Cedarwood Road, is a must-visit for fans wanting to dive deeper into the singer’s personal history. It was here that Bono spent his formative years, a time that shaped not only his personality but also his music.
His father, Bob Hewson, worked at the post office and sang opera in the evenings a fact Bono fondly recalls, especially in the song “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own.” The emotional connection to this home was so strong that it was featured in the song’s music video, filmed in late 2004.
Though this house is a popular spot for U2 fans, it’s important to remember it’s still a private residence. Visitors should be discreet and respectful to preserve the peace and privacy of its current residents.
Bono’s childhood home
Address: 10 Cedarwood Rd, Finglas East, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: Bonavox, the store that gave Bono his name
The Bonavox store, located on North Earl Street, holds a unique place in U2’s history, as it’s the origin of Bono’s stage name.
In his youth, Paul Hewson – his real name – was given the nickname “Bono Vox” by his friend Guggi, after the hearing aid store Bonavox. The Latin phrase “Bona Vox” means “good voice,” which seemed fitting for the young man who would later become one of rock’s most iconic voices.
The name was eventually shortened to “Bono,” marking the start of his musical career and transformation into a global icon.
Bonavox
Address: 9 N Earl St, North City, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: The school where U2 was formed
Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Clontarf is where U2’s journey began.
In September 1976, 14-year-old Larry Mullen Jr. posted an ad on the school’s bulletin board looking for bandmates. Paul Hewson (Bono), Dave Evans (The Edge), Adam Clayton, and a few others responded, forming a band first known as Feedback, later The Hype, and finally settling on U2.
The school’s music room hosted the band’s first rehearsals, and the gymnasium was the site of their debut performance at a talent show, where they played covers of artists like Peter Frampton and Bay City Rollers.
For U2 fans, visiting Mount Temple is a chance to return to the band’s roots. However, as the school is still operational, visitors should respect the privacy of students and staff.
Mount Temple Comprehensive School
Address: 128 Malahide Road, Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: The Clarence Hotel
The Clarence Hotel, located along the River Liffey, is an iconic landmark in U2’s history and Dublin’s music scene. Bono and The Edge bought this historic hotel in 1992 and owned it for 30 years.
It also became the setting for a memorable moment in the band’s career. In 2000, U2 performed on the rooftop of the hotel for the BBC’s famous “Top of the Pops” program, drawing a huge crowd of fans to the surrounding streets.
Even after the hotel was sold, it remains a point of interest for U2 fans and those looking to connect with Dublin’s musical past.
The Clarence Hotel
Address: 6-8 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience
The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, located in the vibrant Temple Bar district, is a must-visit for music lovers, especially those following U2’s journey.
One of the museum’s highlights is the iconic U2 Room, where visitors can explore the rise of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. through an impressive collection of memorabilia, photos, and fascinating stories.
This room offers a unique deep dive into the band’s journey, from their early days to becoming one of the world’s biggest rock bands. It’s a captivating experience for both die-hard fans and those just discovering the group.
In addition to the U2 Room, the museum offers a guided tour that includes other interesting exhibits, featuring icons like Sinead O’Connor, Thin Lizzy, and Rory Gallagher. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience
Address: Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: Hard Rock Cafe Dublin
Located in Temple Bar, Hard Rock Cafe Dublin is a must-see destination for music lovers. Opened in 2004, the Dublin branch has featured various U2 memorabilia over the years.
Currently, it’s worth stopping by to see Bono’s iconic glasses from the “Beautiful Day” music video.
For rock fans, the visit also offers other interesting items, such as Phil Lynott’s (Thin Lizzy) bass guitar and a hat worn by Slash (Guns N’ Roses).
The atmosphere is lively, complemented by music and videos, creating an engaging and enjoyable spot for lunch or dinner.
Hard Rock Cafe Dublin
Address: 12 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: Captain Americas
Captain Americas, which first opened its doors in 1971, is a restaurant with a concept similar to Hard Rock Cafe, offering American-style food alongside a display of memorabilia.
For U2 fans, it’s worth checking out the drum kit signed by the band, Bono’s muscle shirt from the PopMart Tour, and a guitar from The Edge. You’ll also find many photos, autographs, and concert memorabilia.
Captain Americas
Address: 44 Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: U2 Exhibition at the Little Museum of Dublin
The exhibition “U2: Made in Dublin” at the Little Museum of Dublin celebrates the band’s decades-long career.
The exhibit showcases an impressive collection of rare items, including signed albums, historic photos, a Trabant car, and a life-size sculpture of MacPhisto, Bono’s famous alter-ego.
To enhance the experience, visitors can listen to a soundtrack featuring rare recordings and accounts of the band’s history, narrated by Irish singer and radio host Tom Dunne.
While the Little Museum of Dublin is temporarily closed for renovations (including the installation of an elevator for better accessibility), fans can still visit a pop-up version of the U2 exhibition at 33 Lower Pembroke Street.
“U2: Made in Dublin” at the Little Museum of Dublin
Pop-up Museum Address: 33 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland
(Main Museum Temporarily Closed) Address: St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
U2 Tour: Bono’s portrait at the National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin houses a notable collection of art, including the iconic portrait of Bono.
This artwork was created by renowned Irish artist Louis le Brocquy, known for his innovative style and unique approach to portraiture. The portrait captures the essence and energy of Bono, reflecting not only his musical career but also his humanitarian activism, which includes tackling global issues like poverty and disease.
Commissioned for the reopening of the National Portrait Collection in 2003, Bono’s portrait combines elements of abstraction with recognizable features, offering a multifaceted view of his personality.
His penetrating gaze and the dynamic composition evoke a sense of movement, highlighting the artist’s and activist’s complex life and legacy.
National Gallery of Ireland
Address: Merrion Square W, Dublin, Ireland
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 Travel 2 Concert!
You’re important, RED BIRD!
Traveling with the best tips makes everything smoother and more enjoyable, doesn’t it?
So, if you visit any of these U2 spots in Dublin, don’t forget to come back here on Travel 2 Concert to share your review and help our rocker and traveling RED BIRD community!
You can leave a comment below or send in your precious tips with photos.
Your updated information helps the entire community preserve rock history worldwide.
