I See Seven Towers...

9 Jul 2004
... And they're not running to stand still anymore.




Contrary to recent reports, U2.Com are happy to underline that Ballymun, in the north of Dublin - close to the hearts of both Larry and Bono - is in better shape than ever.



One recent online story about 'U2's Dublin' described the area, immortalised in the band's 1986 song Running To Stand Still, as 'bad' .



It went on to warn fans 'do NOT go here on foot.'



Well, they obviously haven't been there recently - Ballymun is being transformed, thanks to a huge €1.8bn regeneration scheme.



And Bono, who grew up in nearby Glasnevin, says 'he's very proud to come from the Ballymun area.'



Small wonder that local people are upset that a drug problem which it faced 20 years ago, is being dragged up to knock the area again.



'Ballymun is not an area where you have to fear for your life,' said Poppintree community worker Jimmy Gilchrist. 'It's far from that.'



More on the regeneration of Ballymun here

RECENT NEWS

28 Nov, 2025

In Ireland or the UK? Adam features in a new Sky Arts series Greatest Basslines, beginning tonight.

27 Nov, 2025

In North America? Tune in to U2 X-Radio on Sirius XM to catch Bono and Edge performing as U2 receive the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize.

25 Nov, 2025

 Subscribers Special.
'It's not just my favourite U2 song, it's my favourite song.' Writer on TV's Slow Horses, Will Smith is a huge U2 fan. This is his all time playlist.

7
3 Nov, 2025

 Subscribers Special.
'You see everyone's mouth open and eyes go up, and they're just taking it in.' A U2 playlist from composer, producer and DJ, Pauli The PSM.

4

Related Topic