Bono’s Dublin: the city that shaped a rock legend
Discover the Ireland that inspired the music and shaped the life of U2’s Bono, activist and one of the world’s top rock stars.
Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum, Dublin City
A fascinating documentary that sees U2 frontman Bono reflect on his remarkable life held its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and is now streaming on Apple TV+. Bono: Stories of Surrender features personal stories about the musician’s journey as a son, father, husband, activist and rock star and the family, friends and faith that challenged and sustained him.
Although Bono’s influence both musically and as a champion of social justice causes has had global reach, the essence of the man and the artist is firmly rooted in the Dublin where he grew up.
Fans who want to find out more about the places and culture that shaped Bono’s songwriting and worldview can visit locations tied to his personal story and musical journey. The story begins in North Dublin, in Glasnevin where Bono grew up. You can take a stroll along Dollymount Strand where he played as a boy and visit the Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Clontarf, where the four members of U2 first came together and where Bono found his voice.
Dublin city centre, of course, has many connections to Bono and U2 and on the U2 walking trail you can visit some key locations. These include the Bonavox hearing aid store on North Earl Street, which inspired Paul Hewson to adopt the name ‘Bono’. Windmill Lane Studios is where U2 recorded several albums, and now has an interactive visitor experience that is a must-see for music lovers. Just around the corner is the old Hanover Quay Studios building, U2’s original recording studio, which is now covered in graffiti honouring the band and other Dublin cultural giants.
For fans seeking a deeper dive into Irish music history, the Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum, right in the heart of the vibrant Temple Bar cultural quarter, celebrates Ireland’s musical influence and its famous rockers.
Croke Park Stadium, Dublin
Ireland’s largest sporting stadium Croke Park is an arena that U2 sold out many times over the band’s decades-long career. While visiting the stadium, don’t miss the Skyline tour that takes you up to the walkway on the roof from where you can enjoy fantastic views over Dublin city and the mountains beyond.
U2 fans will also recognise locations around Dublin that have provided the backdrop for some of their most iconic videos. The Clarence Hotel, owned for a time by Bono and the Edge, was where the band performed Beautiful Day on the roof for BBC’s Top of the Pops in 2000, while the elegant Georgian houses of Fitzwilliam Square featured in the video for The Sweetest Thing.
Bono’s fame and fortune never tempted him to abandon his beloved home city and he now lives in the beautiful suburb of Dalkey overlooking Dublin Bay. This tranquil landscape has been an inspiration to him. Nearby Killiney Hill Park is a popular spot to take in great views of the bay and spend a relaxing hour or two before heading into medieval Dalkey village to enjoy refreshments in one of the village’s many excellent eateries.
Dalkey, Co Dublin
Bono and U2 are among Ireland’s great cultural exports of recent times, joining musicians like Hozier and Sinead O’Connor, actors like Cillian Murphy and writers like John Banville who each embody different aspects of Irish creativity. That living, breathing, creative culture is evident in the island’s dynamic arts and music scene and reflected in its many festivals and is another great reason to visit Ireland.