In a little corner of Dublin, there is a place where musical heavyweights like to congregate.
It’s a place that has hosted Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones, U2, the Spice Girls, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen and more. It’s a place where music is played, and history is made. This is Windmill Lane Recording Studios, and chances are, at some point, you’ve owned or heard an album that has been recorded here because – not only is it one of Ireland’s biggest recording studios – it’s one of the world’s most iconic.
Originally opened in 1978, the studios relocated to a new location in 1990, a stone’s throw from the architecturally dynamic area of Grand Canal Dock. Today, it still operates as a functioning studio, but it’s also a top visitor attraction with a consistent five-star rating on TripAdvisor. Step through the doors of the studio and you’ll get the inside scoop on how tracks are put together and how to mix your own session with a virtual band, as well as the intriguing history, stories and legends that thrum within the walls of this hotbed of music magic. As director of the studio Aidan Alcock says, “This isn’t your typical tour – it’s an exclusive backstage pass to where iconic hits are born”.


Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin © Windmill Lane Studios
Need to know
The studio tour lasts around 50-60 minutes and costs from €15 for under 15s up to €22 for an adult.
Windmill Lane is close to the Grand Canal Dock area of Dublin, which has many restaurants and cafés.
The studio is in a three-storey building and does not have a lift, so there is limited access for those with impaired mobility.