Take a walk through U2’s Dublin

What better place to start than the Dublin group’s spiritual home? Bono and the boys have been selling out the country’s largest stadium since The Unforgettable Fire tour way back in 1985. Some decades on, the sporting arena has undergone a major expansion and update. You can take your experience of the city to new heights with the Skyline Tour and its incredible panoramas of Dublin. For traditional Irish sports fans, the stadium tour and GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) Museum provide extra excitement.

Media captionTake in Croke Park from a new angle.

Stroll this busy strip leading from the Spire to Connolly Station to find several points of interest for U2 enthusiasts. The Bonavox hearing aid store at number 9 North Earl Street inspired Paul Hewson to adopt the name ‘Bono’, and the former Moran’s Hotel (now O’Shea’s) on adjoining Talbot Street was a venue of choice for the band in the '70s. Talbot Street was also on Bono’s mind when he wrote the powerful 'Raised by Wolves', a song about the bomb that went off here in 1974 during the Troubles.

On the River Liffey near Dublin Port, head for North Wall Quay to the 3Arena, where U2 played in 2018 on their Experience + Innocence tour. But until 2007 it was the Point Theatre (aka the Point Depot), and it featured in their live album film U2: Rattle and Hum which they released back in the 80s. The music theme continues in the nearby Gibson Hotel, namesake of the famed brand of electric guitars, and there are great views of the city skyline from its Hemi bar and restaurant.

Media captionCatch a gig in U2's old stomping ground.

Cross the Samuel Beckett Bridge to the Southside and venture to a place on every U2 fan’s pilgrimage. Hanover Quay Studios was a mainstay of the band for over 20 years, instantly recognisable as the low rise building decorated with graffiti in praise of their legendary career. A short walk away at 22 Windmill Lane, parts of The Joshua Tree were recorded and mixed in 1986. Though that original building is gone, Windmill Lane Recording Studios lives on in neighbouring Ringsend and you can stop by for a tour.

The area has been transformed over the years, with plenty of shiny new buildings dotted along the canal, but there’s plenty of architecture to catch the eye, including the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and the Anantara the Marker Hotel. The latter’s Rooftop Bar and Terrace provides stunning views of the Aviva Stadium and Boland’s Quay.

Media captionAdmire the regeneration that has taken place around Hanover Quay.

Walk to Stephen’s Green via Baggot Street and pause at the site of what was once the Baggot Inn along the way. Although the space is currently empty, it was here in 1978 that the fledgling group booked a breakthrough residency that set them on the road to a glittering career. Another notable venue that helped the band earn their stripes was the Dandelion Market. Although they changed location multiple times during the 70s, they consistently hosted big Irish names until they closed the doors on their final spot in what is now St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. 

Carry on to The Little Museum of Dublin where there’s an excellent permanent exhibition to honour the band. The U2: Made in Dublin collection features memorabilia like the original McGonagle’s sign that graced an early venue, and a Trabant car painted by Dublin artist Maser from their Achtung Baby days. Across the road in leafy St Stephen’s Green, Bono and the Edge grazed lambs after being awarded the Freedom of Dublin in 2000 (freemen of the city having the right to pasture sheep there). In good weather you too can stop by with a picnic for some grazing of your own. 

Media captionEnjoy a wander through St Stephen’s Green before checking out the Little Museum of Dublin.

Just a short walk from Grafton Street, the National Gallery of Ireland is home to an incredible portrait of Bono himself. Painted by Irish artist Louis le Brocquy in 2003, the piece was commissioned by the gallery as part of their permanent portrait series.

Continue down the street to Fitzwilliam Square, the exact spot where U2’s music video for'The Sweetest Thing' was shot. Beautiful Georgian townhouses line either side of the square and this backdrop is instantly recognisable as the place where Bono and his wife Ali take a carriage along Fitzwilliam Place and Upper Fitzwilliam Street. The rest of the guys in the band appear too, along with a host of special guests, from Boyzone to the Chippendales.

Media captionImagine that you're in 'The Sweetest Thing' music video in Fitzwilliam Square.

No tour of U2's Dublin would be complete without a visit to The Clarence on Wellington Quay, which was once owned by Bono and the Edge. Although it's currently undergoing a renovation, this four star boutique hotel was built in 1852 and became the night spot of choice for the lads in the 90s. In 2000, the BBC TV programme Top of The Pops filmed U2 performing their hit Beautiful Day on the hotel roof, and crowds of people gathered at vantage points along the Liffey to catch a free glimpse of the boys playing.

In the same neighbourhood as The Clarence you'll find Dublin's cultural quarter Temple Bar, with its range of bohemian shops, trendy cafés and buzzing bars. Here, you can explore the Project Arts Centre, a cultural space equipped with two theatres and a gallery. As well as art exhibits and dance performances, they also have a steady calendar of gigs and even hosted U2 in the early stages of their career. From there, make your way over to the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience and check out their Wall of Fame and their dedicated U2 exhibition filled with memorabilia. 

While you're in the area, pop through Merchant’s Arch to find the iconic Ha'penny Bridge for the obligatory selfie as you cross the Liffey.

Media captionSee some familiar faces on the Wall of Fame.

There are many Northside pockets of Dublin that have U2 connections. Bono grew up on Cedarwood Road in Glasnevin, and he dedicates a song to his home on the album Songs of Innocence. While you’re here, browse the headstones of historic figures in Glasnevin Cemetery before ordering a pint at The Gravediggers pub nearby. Songs of Innocence also recalls Bono’s happy summer days as a boy on Dollymount Strand, the glorious stretch of sand along North Dublin Bay that’s been a playground for Dubliners for generations. 

Media captionBreathe in the fresh sea air at Dollymount Strand.

Not far from Dollymount is Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where the four members of U2 first came together after Larry Mullen pinned a note on the school noticeboard seeking potential bandmates.

On the Southside, a stroll on Sandymount Strand provides a reminder of how frequently a young U2 were photographed here, with the distinctive striped Poolbeg Chimneys in the background. The landmark is also in their 'Pride (In the Name of Love)' music video, filmed in 1984.

Further down the coast, the postcard-worthy village of Dalkey is a popular stomping ground for Bono, who lives in neighbouring Killiney. The seemingly infinite view of the Irish Sea from Vico Road provided the inspiration for the album No Line on the Horizon. 

Uncover Dublin’s musical legacy

Now that you’ve tracked down the places that made U2 famous, discover even more about Dublin's musical roots at some of the city's best musical experiences.