U2's bassist Adam Clayton is set to build a mansion in Kinsale for when he retires.
The legendary Irish musician has spent the past week celebrating 50 years of U2 with his band members Bono, The Edge, and Larry Mullan.
The Irish Examiner has revealed that Clayton has applied for planning permission to build a 795 sq m home in Ringfinnan, east of Kinsale town.
It has also been revealed recently that Irish singer Dermot Kennedy has bought a home on the eastern side of Kinsale.
Planning files obtained by the Irish Examiner stated that when Clayton first saw the plot, he “recognised that it was an ideal place to create his retirement home”.
Having had his eye on the Kinsale area for several years, Clayton appears to have finally secured his ideal location. It is believed he previously missed out as the runner-up bidder for Annefield House, a postcard-pretty property at Ballinclashet Creek in Oysterhaven, when it originally hit the market in 2023.
Plans for the new seven-bedroom residence feature distinct north and south wings designed in a courtyard layout, drawing inspiration from traditional local farmsteads to minimize the building's overall visual presence.
The expansive development is set to feature an underground garage, a gym and health spa, a games and media room, and multiple kitchen and dining spaces. The ground-floor primary suite will boast an oversized dressing room, an en suite bathroom, and a private balcony.
The new three-story design will replace a derelict two-story farmstead and associated outbuildings. The outdoor plans include a classic walled garden, decorative fountains, and multiple soft landscape terracing.
On Friday, U2 celebrated their 50th anniversary and returned to where it all started, Mount Temple Comprehensive School, for a surprise performance.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of U2, the Central Bank of Ireland also launched a €2 commemorative coin, which was unveiled showing an image of all U2 bandmembers, including Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr, designed by Irish artist, Shaughin McGrath. More on this here.
