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Dublin and U2 Many make the journey to Dublin to worship at the altar of Ireland's foremost rock band, U2 [their official website, launched in January 2001, is www.U2.com]. The wall beside the studio where they made their initial recordings at Windmill Lane is now a psychedelic paleographic shrine to the band. Windmill Lane is quite near Pearse Station and the River Liffey and joins Creighton Street with the River Liffey at Sir John Rogerson's Quay. Nowadays, most recording is done at the relocated Windmill Lane studios on Ringsend Road, very near the Grand Canal Basin and the end of Pearse Street. The area has seen much reconstruction in the past ten years but still maintains an excellent community spirit. Bono maintains a large, detached house in Dublin's south county, on the Vico Road. It is between Dalkey and Killiney DART stations (perhaps a little nearer to Killiney, and easier to find from that station.). Additionally, if you get the DART as far as Killiney, you pass the bottom of Bono's garden (although the huge retaining wall makes it impossible to see anything). On leaving the station turn right and walk along the footpath, heading towards the bottom of a short but steep hill. The entrance to Bono's house is about halfway up the hill lon the right hand side - you will see the solid metal gates and probably find some other U2 fans as well! Incidentally, I have it on good authority that Bono gives large, regular sums of money to various charities, all anonymously. In fact, he goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure his anonymity. Fair play to you Bono - it's one thing to have all that dosh but another to give it away. Most rich people are that way because they are mean - but not Bono. It's a long time since I visited the Civic Museum on South William Street, but I'm told by reliable sources that it well worth a visit since it is free! There is plenty of information on Dublin's involvement in history, politics but note that it is closed on Mondays.
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WHERE IS/WAS IRELAND'S PARLIAMENT? As you face the main facade of Trinity College, you will see the Bank of Ireland's columned HQ on your left. This was the Irish Parliament building for a short time before the Act of union in 1800. The building was left vacant and eventually sold to the Bank of Ireland in 1802 who have occupied it ever since. The present Irish Parliament (known as the Dail) now meets in Leinster House on Merrion Street, former town house of the Duke of Leinster. Many former town houses of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy are now used by various government agencies. | ||||||
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