The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum

The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum is happy to welcome guests into the backstage of running music facilities. Be ready to immerse yourself in the rock music world in Dublin's historic Temple Bar district of Dublin. The captivating experiences take you through various aspects of a musician's life, from rehearsing and recording to performing on a stage.

Creativity in the air

While on tour, you can access fully equipped spaces and rooms where dozens of famous performers have rehearsed their hits! The starting point of the one-hour tour is a 4x4 rehearsal room. It's hard to believe such a standard, simple room could inspire magic. U2, though, has worked here from their early days, shaking it with amplifiers turned to 11.

Many of the rehearsal rooms are decorated with golden plaques bearing the artist's names. Throughout the years, the facility has hosted renowned musicians such as Christy Moore, Van Morrison, Def Leppard, Ray La Montagne, Gavin James, and Kodaline. Along with well-known artists, newly formed bands come here to jam, too. They are trying out their material and doing pre-production for their albums here. If you are lucky, you will hear them in the process of rehearsing in real-time. Moreover, you can try on a rock-star outfit and play guitar, bass, or drums with your band!

Rocking backstage

Here is the backstage area of the show. It is where the thrill and excitement of being called on stage fill in the air. Not surprisingly, everyone wants to get there to feel the same pre-show emotions, just like music performers. If there is no music, comedy, or other events, feel free to head up to The Button Factory stage and rock! Can you imagine standing on the stage of one of Dublin's busiest and finest concert venues? It is going to be a fantastic story that is worth sharing with your friends.

Please note that this is a working space, and thus, an event may take place. If it is impossible to go on stage, the tour may need to take an alternative route, though no less impressive, route. Although the stage is busy, you can observe how genuine musicians get ready to perform and do their sound check: testing 1, 2. A screeching guitar, a snapping snare drum and a booming bass will cause your heart to jump. And here they go!

Recording in progress - quiet, please!

The tour continues in another legendary building that is across the road. You will see the inside of the working recording facility, Temple Lane Studios. The facility belongs to the premier recording studios of Ireland, as numerous popular songs and albums of the last 30 years have been recorded here. Christy Moore, Rihanna, Will.I.Am, Paolo Nutini, and The Script, just to name a few, have worked with the studio for years. The place is full of historic recording machinery and state-of-the-art equipment, including the Neva mixing sound desk. 

Exploring Irish music

In the 1970s, Thin Lizzy paved the way for Irish Rock' n' Roll music. The saying goes that Apollo Studio is where Phil Lynott, the band's frontman, made his last recordings. The contribution Thin Lizzy made to the development of the Irish music industry has to be respected. Therefore, do not be surprised to see here an exhibition devoted to one of Ireland's greatest bands.

In the cinema room, visitors set out on a journey into Irish popular music. A short film on Irish Rock' N' Roll celebrates the worldwide success of Irish rock music. U2, Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher and Van Morrison are names that come first. It's a chance to learn about the passionate desire that led these artists to international recognition.

Fancy music memorabilia await in every corner as you wander through the place. You can enjoy reading handwritten lyrics or check out vintage tour jackets and a pair of pyjamas owned by Michael Jackson. The museum wall also features gold discs, riders, and photos. The collection contains music-related items describing the period from the 1970s to the present day. Interact with fellow music lovers and share your thoughts on the vibrant Irish music industry.

Vintage instruments and equipment

Another way to study the story of Rock' n' roll is to trace the evolution of the guitars and equipment. Companies that produce musical equipment became prominent primarily thanks to those artists who utilized it. Gibson, Fender, Marshall, and Vox are the most beloved and renowned worldwide.

The real highlight is an impressive guitar exhibition displayed on the corridor walls. The guitars don't look just like any ordinary ones in a music store. These are iconic guitars, as iconic artists have played them. They vary from notable Fender Stratocasters to rare baritone guitars such as Danelectro. There are also a bunch of Marshall amplifiers on display.

Admire inspiring portraits

The museum building has been home to the Wall of Fame since 2003. Thanks to its vivid red facade, the wall is easy to find. The spot is intended to popularise the outstanding names of Irish rock music culture among foreign visitors and young Irish people. The wall features a bunch of large inspiring portraits, which make the place twice as much adorable. The wall is a tribute to prominent Irish musicians who are integral to the cool Temple Bar district. That is why the place has been the focal point for district residents for over twenty years.

The photographs are on display to the public day and night, free of charge. Do not miss the chance to admire the icon faces, including the Cranberries, U2, Christy Moore, The Undertones, Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher, and the Pogues right in the street. 

While in Dublin, don't hesitate to bump into the Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum. The tour inside allows visitors to dress up and jam with friends to experience what it is like to be a rock star. Check out the Wall of Fame and try to identify them all. Please share pictures using #IrishRockMuseum.

• Adult ticket €22. Adult Combo Ticket €38.
• Note: The tour is suitable for children over 5.