Windmill Lane Recording Studios has been at the heart of Dublin’s music scene since it opened in 1978 in the Docklands, just a short walk from the River Liffey. Over the decades, it has played host to some of the most influential and celebrated artists in the world and it has become one of the top things to do in Dublin, producing recordings that have shaped the sound of modern music. From groundbreaking albums to chart-topping singles, Windmill Lane’s live rooms, control desks, and vocal booths have seen legends at work, capturing performances that continue to resonate globally. Today, the studio remains fully operational, combining its rich history with ongoing creativity, and giving music lovers the chance to explore where some of their favourite songs were brought to life. Take a look at our Milestones Page for a full rundown of Windmill Lane’s History. If you want to visit and take one of our tours, our studio has been called one of the top things to do in Dublin for music lovers.
Why Do So Many Artists Choose Windmill Lane?
Artists from around the world have consistently chosen Windmill Lane for a combination of factors:
Reputation: With decades of successful recordings, Windmill Lane has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most respected studios.
Technology: The studio has continually updated its equipment and acoustics to remain at the cutting edge of professional music production.
Location: Situated in Dublin’s Docklands, the studio is both central and scenic, offering a vibrant creative environment.
Engineering Talent: Windmill Lane’s team of engineers and producers are highly experienced, skilled in bringing out the best in each artist’s work.
History: The studio’s heritage, particularly its association with U2, provides an inspiring creative atmosphere for artists looking to add to a storied legacy
From the thundering intro of “I Will Follow” to the driving bass of “Out of Control,” Boy was a rebellious statement of intent. Windmill Lane Recording Studios offered the perfect environment for the band to figure out who they were and where they wanted to go.
International Legends Who Recorded at Windmill Lane
U2
U2, Ireland’s globally renowned rock band, first recorded their debut album Boy at Windmill Lane in 1980. They returned for albums such as October (1981) and War (1983), using the studio to experiment and develop the sound that would define their early career. Windmill Lane became an integral part of their musical journey, helping to shape their distinctive style and cementing their status as one of the world’s most influential bands. For more detail be sure to visit our Birthplace of U2 page. Because of this people sometimes refer to Windmill Lane as a U2 museum.
Kate Bush
English singer-songwriter Kate Bush, acclaimed for her innovative music and theatrical performances, recorded parts of her album Hounds of Love at Windmill Lane in 1985. These sessions contributed to one of her most celebrated works, which showcased her imaginative arrangements and lyrical storytelling.
The Cranberries
The Cranberries, one of Ireland’s most beloved alternative rock bands, used Windmill Lane throughout the 1990s to record key tracks that helped define their signature sound. The studio captured the melodic and emotive style that made the band an international success.
Van Morrison
Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison recorded the album Irish Heartbeat at Windmill Lane between 1987 and 1988. The sessions blended folk, jazz, and rock influences, reflecting both Morrison’s musical heritage and the studio’s capacity to support diverse recording projects.
Hozier
Irish singer-songwriter Hozier has recorded at Windmill Lane during his post-2010 career. The studio provided a professional environment where he could develop tracks that contributed to his global acclaim.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran recorded sessions at Windmill Lane as part of his work connecting Irish musical culture with his modern pop sound. His sessions underscore the studio’s continuing relevance as a space for world-class music production.
Lady Gaga
American pop superstar Lady Gaga recorded tracks for her album Born This Way at Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin in 2011, completing some sessions just hours before performing at The Point. These sessions occurred during a pivotal moment in her early career.
The Waterboys
The Waterboys recorded their landmark album Fisherman’s Blues at Windmill Lane, with sessions beginning in 1986 and spanning over multiple recording periods before its 1988 release. The album’s mix of folk, rock, and traditional influences reflects the studio’s versatility.
AC/DC
Australian rock legends AC/DC recorded sessions at Windmill Lane for their album The Razor’s Edge. The studio’s environment provided the space and technical resources for the band to work on this internationally acclaimed record.
Can You Visit Windmill Lane Today?
Yes! The Windmill Lane Visitor Experience offers guided tours through this historic and still-operational recording studio. Visitors can explore Studio Two, the main live room where U2 recorded much of their early work, and see how the studio has evolved into a modern facility that continues to host international and Irish artists.
Tours combine storytelling with hands-on engagement, allowing visitors to learn about the technology that shapes sound, the creative process from inspiration to finished track, and the history of some of the world’s most famous recordings.
To see the full list of artists who have recorded at Windmill Lane, visit our Clients page. To book a tour and plan your visit, check out our Booking page.