21-22 Wellington Quay in Temple Bar, Dublin 2, is a storied address in the city’s nightlife landscape, best known as the original home of The Kitchen nightclub. The venue first opened its doors in 1994 under the ownership of Bono and The Edge of U2, quickly establishing itself as one of Dublin’s most iconic clubs throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Situated on the ground floor of the Clarence Hotel—also owned by the U2 members—The Kitchen gained a reputation as a progressive and inclusive space, popularizing dance, electronic, and underground music genres in Ireland at a time when the club scene was still relatively young.
The nightclub became a cultural touchstone, welcoming a diverse clientele ranging from discerning locals to international celebrities. Over the years, the club has undergone several transformations, with changes to its interior design, management, and eventually, changes to the function of the space itself as nightlife trends shifted and the commercial focus of the Clarence Hotel evolved. The closure of The Kitchen in 2002 marked the end of an era, yet its legacy continues to echo in Dublin’s music and nightlife culture.
More recently, 21-22 Wellington Quay has hosted different hospitality and entertainment ventures, but it remains synonymous with the creative and hedonistic spirit that defined the Dublin clubbing experience for a generation. The venue's strong influence helped foster the city's dance scene, providing a platform for emerging acts and solidifying Dublin’s reputation on the international clubbing map.
Notable artists who have performed at 21-22 Wellington Quay include international DJs and acts such as Sasha, Paul Oakenfold, Laurent Garnier, Andrew Weatherall, and David Holmes, alongside prominent local DJs and musicians including Johnny Moy, Greg Dowling (Fish Go Deep), Billy Scurry, and Mark Kavanagh.