Few celebrity homes stir as much curiosity as Bono’s house in Dublin. Perched along the stunning coastline of Vico Road in Killiney, this seaside villa is often called the “Irish Riviera” for its sweeping sea views and luxury homes. While you won’t find any guided tours or open gates—it’s a private family residence—the story of the house and its surroundings is fascinating for both U2 fans and curious travellers.
This guide does two things: it satisfies curiosity about the home itself and gives practical tips for those who want to explore the area without intruding on private life. From the villa’s history and its famous neighbours to the best public vantage points and nearby attractions, here’s a full look inside Bono’s Dublin paradise—at least from the outside.
The Property at a Glance
To make things clear right away, here are the essentials about Bono’s home:
- Location: The villa sits on Vico Road, Killiney, right next to the charming village of Dalkey in South County Dublin.
- Type of property: It’s a 19th-century seaside villa, not a castle—though Enya’s nearby Manderley Castle often causes confusion.
- Access: This is a private family residence, so visitors can’t go inside or tour the grounds.
- What visitors can see: From the public road and nearby Killiney Hill Park, you can catch glimpses of the property’s gardens and rooftops, with the dramatic coastline stretching all around.
- Neighbourhood feel: Often compared to Malibu, the area combines quiet luxury, coastal walks, and a creative community.
The home itself has been expanded over the years with approved extensions and restorations, always under the watchful eye of heritage planners. Its size—around 3.5 acres of grounds—shows why this spot is so sought after. But the appeal isn’t just the house; it’s the location, where cliffside walks meet a relaxed village lifestyle.
A Deep Dive into Bono’s Estate
Architectural Style and Appearance
Bono’s Dublin home is a 19th-century villa that blends heritage character with modern updates. From the outside, glimpses reveal a structure built for seaside living rather than grandeur. The house sits high on Vico Road’s cliff edge, with gardens dropping toward the Irish Sea. It’s not a castle, despite what some headlines suggest—that nearby distinction belongs to Enya’s Manderley Castle. Bono’s villa is more understated, with simple rooflines, copper-detailed gates, and stone walls that protect privacy.
Size and Grounds
The estate, known in planning files as Temple Hill, covers about 3.5 acres (14,107 m²). The land stretches from the road down to the DART railway line, giving the family both coastal views and space for gardens. This scale sets it apart even in Killiney, where space is precious. Large terraces, lawns, and hidden outdoor areas give the villa a sense of retreat, while still being only 30 minutes from Dublin’s centre.
Renovations and Heritage Considerations
Over the years, Bono and his family have filed several planning applications to expand or adapt the home. Key points include:
- An approved three-storey extension in the early 2000s.
- A proposed upper-level addition with roof terraces of around 130 m² in 2008.
- Requests for conservatories and layout adjustments to bring in more light and connect indoor rooms with outdoor terraces.
Each change attracted public commentary because Vico Road is a protected scenic area. Heritage groups reviewed the designs to ensure new structures didn’t overwhelm the historic look or disrupt sightlines over Killiney Bay. These reviews show how architecture and preservation collide when modern families live in historic coastal villas.
What Makes It Unique
What makes Bono’s house fascinating isn’t flashy design or headline-grabbing architecture—it’s the blend of heritage, privacy, and landscape. The villa holds onto its 19th-century character, while renovations quietly modernize it for family life. It’s both a celebrity home and a heritage property, shaped by Dublin’s planning laws and the area’s natural beauty.
Neighbours & The Neighbourhood
Celebrity Neighbours
One of the things that makes Killiney and Dalkey so interesting is the cluster of high-profile residents. Just up the hill from Bono’s villa is Manderley Castle, better known to locals as Ayesha Castle, now owned by singer Enya. With its turrets and fortress-style walls, it often gets mistaken as Bono’s home, but it belongs entirely to her. U2’s guitarist, The Edge, has also been linked with properties along this stretch of coastline, making Vico Road a true “rock star row.” Over the years, other artists, writers, and business leaders have gravitated here, drawn by the mix of privacy and natural beauty.
The Local Vibe
The area of Dalkey and Killiney is sometimes described as Dublin’s answer to Malibu, and the nickname “Irish Riviera” isn’t far off. The coastline is lined with villas, castles, and terraced houses that catch the sun, while palm trees thrive thanks to the mild sea climate. Despite its reputation as an exclusive enclave, the mood is relaxed. You’ll see locals walking dogs on Killiney Hill, families dipping at Vico Baths, and visitors enjoying coffee in Dalkey village. It’s a rare mix of glamour and community—quiet enough for privacy, but vibrant enough to feel alive.
Why It Appeals to Stars
For celebrities, the balance is perfect. The homes offer seclusion behind high walls and gardens, but the village and coast remain welcoming and authentic. Add in the easy 30-minute DART ride into central Dublin, and you get the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat with the city’s culture within reach. That blend explains why Bono, Enya, and The Edge have all chosen this patch of coastline to call home.
The Tourist’s Guide to Dalkey & Killiney
Even though Bono’s Dublin house is private and closed to visitors, the surrounding area is open and full of charm. For fans or curious travellers, exploring Dalkey and Killiney makes for a rewarding day out. Here’s how to plan your visit without any stress.
Getting There
The simplest option is the DART train. From Dublin’s city centre, hop on at Connolly, Tara, or Pearse Station and head south. Within about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at either Dalkey or Killiney station. Both are close enough for a scenic walk to Vico Road, though be ready for some uphill stretches. If you prefer to drive, the route is straightforward, but keep in mind that parking is very limited along the coast. For most visitors, the train is easier and more relaxed.
Best Vantage Points
- Vico Road: Walking this road gives you a sense of the area’s beauty. You’ll pass stone walls, tall hedges, and sudden openings where the sea comes into view. The homes are private, but the journey itself is the attraction.
- Vico Baths: Down a set of steps carved into the cliffs, the baths are a traditional swimming spot. Even if you don’t dip your toes in, the view over the rocks and waves is worth stopping for.
- Killiney Hill Park: If you want that postcard-perfect shot of Dublin Bay, this is the place. The climb is short but steep, and at the top you’ll find sweeping views of the bay, Bray Head, and even Wales on a clear day.
Exploring Dalkey Village
After the coast, head back to Dalkey village. It has a cosy, small-town feel, with cafés, pubs, and boutique shops. History lovers will enjoy the Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, where interactive tours bring the medieval village to life. For others, it’s simply a great place to relax with coffee or lunch before heading back to the city.
Why It Works as a Visit
The best part about visiting this area is the balance of experiences. You’re close enough to Dublin for a quick trip, but far enough to feel like you’re in a different world. You won’t see inside Bono’s villa, but you’ll leave with something better: a sense of the landscape and community that made Killiney the perfect retreat for one of the world’s most famous rock stars.
Extend the Tour: U2 Landmarks in Dublin
For fans, a trip to Bono’s Dublin house area doesn’t have to stop at Killiney and Dalkey. Dublin city itself holds plenty of U2 history, and adding a few stops creates a mini-tour that ties the band’s story together.
Windmill Lane Recording Studios
This is where U2 recorded some of their most famous work. While the original building no longer exists, the studio continues at a new site and even offers guided tours. Visitors can see the inside of a working recording space, learn about the band’s early years, and get a feel for Dublin’s musical history. It’s a must for anyone who wants to step beyond the coastal views and connect with the creative side of U2’s journey.
The Clarence Hotel
On Wellington Quay in Temple Bar sits The Clarence Hotel, once co-owned by Bono and The Edge. The hotel gained extra fame in 2000 when U2 filmed a rooftop performance here. Though the band eventually sold their stake, the hotel remains tied to their legacy. For visitors, it’s a chance to sip coffee or stay in a building where Dublin’s rock history feels alive.
Cultural Pubs and Venues
Beyond the landmarks, Dublin is full of pubs and venues tied to U2 lore. Some stories are more folklore than fact, but they add colour to the fan experience. Walking tours and local guides often highlight spots where U2 played their earliest gigs or socialized in their early years.
Why Add These Stops?
By extending your day beyond Dalkey, you connect the private side of Bono’s life—his family retreat in Killiney—with the public story of U2 in Dublin. The two together create a more complete picture: a global band that still anchors itself in its home city.
Property Value & Real Estate Context
Site and Scale
Bono’s Dublin home isn’t just a cliffside villa—it’s a large estate known as Temple Hill in planning documents. The property covers about 14,107 m² (3.5 acres), giving it sweeping space by Irish coastal standards. The grounds stretch from the top of Vico Road down to the DART railway line, which runs along the bay. That means the property has both panoramic views and a strong buffer of privacy.
Renovations and Market Signals
Over the years, planning files have shown careful upgrades to the estate:
- An approved three-storey extension in the early 2000s.
- A proposed upper-level addition and roof terraces of about 130 m² in 2008.
- Smaller conservatory and terrace updates to connect indoor and outdoor living.
Each application was reviewed under heritage and conservation rules, because the area is designated as scenic and high-amenity. These checks highlight how tightly controlled development is here, which in turn helps maintain property values.
Market Value Context
While Bono’s specific purchase price and current valuation aren’t public, comparable homes on Vico Road and Killiney Hill are often marketed for multi-million euro sums. It’s not unusual to see asking prices around €8–10 million, depending on views, plot size, and architectural status. Homes with historical character, sea frontage, and celebrity links command even more attention.
Why It’s Blue-Chip Property
Three things drive the prestige of Bono’s Dublin house:
- Scarcity: There are only so many large coastal villas in Killiney.
- Location: Cliffside views of Dublin Bay plus proximity to Dalkey village and central Dublin.
- Cultural cachet: Sharing a road with stars like Enya and The Edge raises both status and curiosity.
In short, Bono’s villa is a textbook example of celebrity blue-chip property—a home that holds cultural, architectural, and financial value all at once.
FAQs About Bono’s Dublin House
Is Bono’s house a castle?
No. Bono’s home is a seaside villa on Vico Road, not a castle. The confusion comes from nearby Manderley Castle, which belongs to singer Enya. Her residence, with its turrets and fortress-style design, often gets mixed up with Bono’s villa.
Can you tour the house?
No. The property is a private family residence, so there are no tours or public access. Visitors are asked to enjoy the views from public paths, Killiney Hill Park, and the surrounding coastline.
What’s the exact address?
It’s located on Vico Road in Killiney, but out of respect for privacy, no street number is shared publicly. The road itself is easy to walk, and you’ll spot the high walls and gardens that protect the villas along the cliffs.
Where’s the best place to get a view?
The most rewarding vantage point is Killiney Hill Park. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of Dublin Bay and a distant look at the rooftops of Vico Road homes, including Bono’s. The Vico Baths and the Vico Road walk also provide glimpses of the coastline.
Do other celebrities live nearby?
Yes. Enya’s castle is just up the hill, and U2’s guitarist The Edge has also been linked to properties in the same area. Dalkey and Killiney are known as celebrity-friendly enclaves thanks to their mix of privacy, natural beauty, and quick access to Dublin.
Do Bono’s children live there too?
The house has been the family base for decades, but like any family home, children grow up and move on. While it remains the family’s Dublin residence, details about who currently lives there full-time aren’t public.
