Discover how music works at an iconic Irish studio

Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, which has produced some of the most iconic albums and songs of the past 40 years, has opened its doors to the public with a new guided tour experience.

A must for fans of rock and pop, the tour is an unprecedented opportunity to understand the creation and production of albums and songs by some of the world’s most successful recording artists.  

Almost 150 artists have recorded at Windmill Lane, including global superstars U2, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Van Morrison, Def Leppard, Shania Twain, Metallica, Kate Bush, Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran and many more world famous singers and bands.

The guided tour uses a balance of technology, audio-visual media and intuitive storytelling that allows you to explore the studios, discover their history and see how a recording session works. 

There’s also the opportunity to meet a virtual band and have a go at mixing your own session.

The studios, which opened in 1978, have been housed in a historic, Art Deco, three-storey building in the Dublin Docklands since 1990. The original studio buildings in Windmill Lane were famously covered in graffiti by U2 fans that visited from all over the world.

Windmill Lane Recording Studios is a busy, working studio space, so advance booking (online only) is essential at www.windmilllanerecording.com.

And why not continue your musical journey around Dublin with a visit to the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum in Temple Bar. Here you can get a totally immersive rock ‘n’ roll experience. Start the tour by forming your own band with your friends, dressing up in stage gear and rocking out in one of the rehearsal rooms, frequently used by top Irish artists. 

Then enjoy a cinematic experience that relives the exciting history of Irish rock ‘n’ roll, before going backstage at the Button Factory venue to view the wall of fame and find out what it feels like to wait for the final stage call.

The museum also houses Dublin’s only exhibition devoted to Thin Lizzy as well as memorabilia from other icons such as Michael Jackson and U2. 

There is also the opportunity to record a demo of your favourite rock classic in a studio that has played host to many famous artists down through the years. A great takeaway from another one of Dublin’s great rock ‘n’ roll experiences.

www.ireland.com