Tucked away in the beating heart of Dublin’s Docklands, lies one of Ireland’s most iconic creative sanctuaries – Windmill Lane Recording Studios. While its unassuming, Art Deco facade might blend into the historic streetscape, within these walls pulses the soul of decades of groundbreaking music.
A pilgrimage site for music lovers of all genres, Windmill Lane Recording Studios isn’t just a studio, it’s living, breathing history, as Ann Massey McElroy discovered on a personal tour!
A Studio with a Soundtrack to the World
Windmill Lane’s legend began in 1978, founded by recording engineer Brian Masterson and producer James Morris. Originally located on Windmill Lane itself before relocating to its current state-of-the-art facility in the early 1990s, the studio quickly established itself as a place where magic happens. And it’s not just an Irish story – it’s global.
In 1979, Celtic Rock band Horslips recorded what was to be their last studio album. Just a year later, an unknown Dublin band recorded their first. That album was ‘Boy’ and the band was called U2.
While Bono and the rest of U2, laid down much of their early sonic DNA here, more well established bands were wanting to be a part of the fast growing reputation of Windmill Lane Recording Studios. Phil Lynott and then Clannad joined their U2 musical neighbours, enhanced by the introduction of a new SSL Mixing Console.
A second studio building opened near St. Stephen’s Green and more big names flocked to the fast growing recording studio. With legendary producer Mutt Lange at the desk, Def Leppard recorded their iconic album Hysteria. Kate Bush, Steve Winwood, The Waterboys and Van Morrison soon followed.
Despite the growing success, Brian Masterson and James Morris parted ways, as James followed his heart into film. Undeterred, Windmill Lane continued to get wind in its sails as Brian relocated to the current location on Ringsend Road. He attracted more and more world headlining names together with icons of Irish music. The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, The Corrs, The Chieftains, The Cranberries, REM, Elvis Costello, Simple Minds and 50 Cent to name a few.
That was just the tip of the iceberg. Windmill Lane Studios also became a Mecca for film score production. The Grifters, The Mask and Mission Impossible were the first movie soundtracks to be produced at Windmill Lane – a firm favourite of Hollywood Composer, Elmer Bernstein. The world famous Bill Whelan score for Riverdance and the Irish movie classic, The Commitments by Roddy Doyle were also created in this 2 track production paradise. Keep your eyes peeled in the movie for a glimpse of the studio itself!
In 2004, Brian Masterson sold the now legendary studios to a very famous client, with the proviso that the new owner’s name would not be revealed. Let’s just say at this point in its incredible history, Windmill Lane was firmly on the bright side of the road…
The celebrity ownership was short-lived and in 2009, new owners, CEO Naomi Moore and Directors Aidan Alcock and Tony Perrey brought their creative vision to Windmill Lane Recording Studios.
With a new energy alongside the historic reputation, the big names kept coming. Lady Gaga, The Script, Hozier, Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock, Sinéad O’Connor, Lewis Capaldi and other artists continue to pass through these doors – as legendary as the sound created within.
The Ringsend Renaissance and Recording the Windmill Lane Way
The current studios are a place where the past entwines with today. The sleek, acoustically perfect recording spaces hum with creative potential. A blend of cutting-edge technology and analogue charm are a nod to progress and the timeless perfection of classic recording techniques.
The building itself has its own story to tell. Once a power station in the early 20th century, it was reimagined into a musical haven, retaining some of its industrial heritage while evolving into a world-class studio complex. Like many great things in Dublin, it’s about transformation – evolving and growing, but never losing its soul.
Windmill Lane helped forge the sound of a generation, becoming a studio whose ascendancy reaches out far beyond the Liffey. It remains as prominent as ever, with new music icons recording and sharing their sound with today’s Gen Z, side by side with the rock stars and artists of longevity and influence.
What sets Windmill Lane apart isn’t just its equipment or reputation – it’s the atmosphere. Their recording philosophy centres on capturing authenticity. Artists who record here often speak of how the space and the people draw something genuine out of them. It’s not just about laying down a track, it’s about catching lightning in a bottle.
Whether you’re tracking a full orchestra or an intimate solo performance, the engineers and producers who work with Windmill Lane are masters at making artists feel at ease while coaxing out their very best. Their passion for music seeps into every note that echoes off the studio walls and that passion reverberates back in full stereo surround sound.
The Visionaries Behind the Music And A Tour Like No Other
At the reins of Windmill Lane Recording Studios is a team driven by pure, infectious passion. The directors are fierce champions of both emerging talent and established icons. Naomi, Aidan and Tony’s love for music isn’t corporate, it’s personal. Every tour, every session, every visitor is treated with warmth and reverence as they embark on a special musical journey.
This love of music translates into their desire to share the magic with fans and curious minds alike.
As well as being able to book studio time for the budding or established artist, Windmill Lane offers public tours and they are nothing short of spectacular! Walking through the same halls as your musical heroes is a spine-tingling experience. From the graffiti walls reminiscent of the original studio site, to the sleek control rooms and memorabilia lined walls of today, the tour offers rare insight into the creative process and the history that built it.
Who might you bump into? On any given day, you might cross paths with an internationally acclaimed artist laying down new material or a music score being recorded for a new film. No promises, but at Windmill Lane, the line between visitor and legend is charmingly thin.
Sit at the famous consoles, pretend for a minute you are that rock star or legendary producer. Discover the stories, anecdotes and secrets of artists and producers from around the world. Marvel at the stunning Steinway Grand Piano with keys caressed by everyone from David Bowie to Ed Sheeran.
Oh, and did I mention Cosmo? Windmill Lane’s resident ghost is said to roam the corridors and recording studios, a spectral presence that’s more watchful than spooky. If you recall, the building on Ringsend Road had a life before music and it appears one of the occupiers decided to stay. If you feel a sudden breeze or hear a faint chord with no one at the keys, just tip your hat to Cosmo and carry on.
A Must-Visit for Every Music Lover
Whether you’re a die-hard audiophile, a history buff, or just someone who’s ever been moved by a song, Windmill Lane Recording Studios is a sacred visit. It’s not genre-specific – rock, jazz, classical, folk, hip-hop, soundtracks, it all happens here. The only requirement is passion.
Windmill Lane Studios is often described as Dublin’s Abbey Road, but it is cooler, quirkier, and a whole lot more Irish.
If you’re planning a visit to Dublin, carve out time for Windmill Lane Recording Studios. Book a tour. Sign the wall. Soak up the stories. And if you’re lucky… maybe Cosmo will say hello.
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