Dublin

Inspired U2

Ireland's best export (next to Guinness of course) formed in 1976 after Larry Mullen Jr, just 14 years old, posted a message on a noticeboard at the Mount Temple Comprehensive School. After word spread like wildfire through Limerick, when the boys won a talent show in Limerick, so began the chain of events which saw U2 rise and conquer where many UK rock bands had failed to make a dent.

Unlike many of their rock contemporaries of the 80's, the band has enjoyed such longevity that their career has actually outlived many venues and locations that played a role in their early pursuits of success. There are still a few revered locations, visited by fans from all over the world, namely the Windmill Lane Studios - in which their first three albums were recorded, and of course Slane Castle, the setting for the U2 go home concert in 2001.

And with enough 'Down U2 memory lane' attractions to keep even the most energetic walker busy in Dublin, it won't matter one bit that another early performance spot, Dandelion Market, is now a bustling shopping complex... the commemorative plaque outside TGI Fridays is still exciting enough to make up for it.

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