Hottest Trends

Dublin celebrities and where they went to school – from Conor McGregor to Colin Farrell – Dublin Live

Dublin has produced some of the biggest movie, music and sports stars over the years.

While many of them now live in mansions and earn millions, they all come from fairly normal backgrounds. And they all had to go to school just like the rest of us.

They were weighed down with schoolbags and were forced to wear ugly school uniforms. Some of us may have even gone to the same school as a major star.

Read more: Things every Dub remembers from their secondary school years

Here’s a list of schools some of Dublin’s most famous faces once attended.

Bono



Bono played at the Olympia last night
Bono received raving reviews for show about his autobiography, “Surrender”

School had a much bigger impact on Bono’s future than many people realise. The U2 lead singer met his bandmates in secondary school, as well as his future wife Ali.

Bono, known back then by his real name Paul Hewson, attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Clontarf.

Colin Farrell



Colin Farrell tipped for award
14/10/2022 Actor Colin Farrell arriving for the Irish premier of The Banshees of Inisherin Directed by Martin McDonagh at The Light House Cinema Smithfield Dublin this evening.

Colin Farrell is tipped for Oscar glory in 2023 after causing a stir with his performance in The Banshees of Inisherin. Not only is he known for his incredible acting skills, but Colin has also been considered a Hollywood heartthrob for many years.

Before landing his first big acting gig on Ballykissangel, Colin went to school in Castleknock College.

Conor McGregor



Conor McGregor shares photo on Instagram with whiskey
Conor McGregor drinking Proper 12 whiskey

UFC star Conor McGregor still spends a lot of time in his local Crumlin, despite being one of Ireland’s richest celebrities. He can often be seen at his Crumlin pub The Black Forge Inn, if he’s not living the high life in LA or the south of France.

McGregor attended Coláiste de Hide in Tallaght where he developed a passion for sport, and joined the Crumlin Boxing Club when he was 12 years old.

Bob Geldof



Sir Bob Geldof attends the "BBC 100: Live Aid" on May 20, 2022 in London, England.
Sir Bob Geldof attends the “BBC 100: Live Aid” on May 20, 2022 in London, England.

Bob Geldof grew up in the picturesque village of Dun Laoghaire. He attended Blackrock College, where he said he was bullied as a teenage.

Despite challenges at school, Geldof went on to see huge success with his band the Boomtown Rats. He later became an international household name after organising one of the biggest concerts on the planet, Live Aid.

Brendan Gleeson



Brendan Gleeson
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 25: Actor Brendan Gleeson attends the Screening Of AT&T Audience Network’s ‘Mr. Mercedes’ at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 25, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California.

Brendan Gleeson has also been getting international recognition for his role alongside Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin, but is probably most loved for his performance in Paddington 2.

The Irish actor went to secondary school at St Joseph’s CBS in Fairview. Here he joined a drama group, getting a taste for acting at a young age.

Hozier



Hozier attends 20th Anniversary Little Kids Rock Benefit at Terminal 5 on May 17, 2022 in New York City
Hozier attends 20th Anniversary Little Kids Rock Benefit at Terminal 5 on May 17, 2022 in New York City

Hozier reached stardom with his song Take Me To Church, and even performed at the Victoria’s Secret show in 2014. However, before the fame and glamour, the singer, whose real name is Andrew Hozier-Byrne, attended a private secondary school in Bray, Co Wicklow (not technically Dublin but just outside).

He later described himself as a “class clown” and an “unfocused student,” calling the school a “monotonous nightmare.”

Katie Taylor



Katie Taylor at the OVO Arena Wembley, London.
Katie Taylor during her Undisputed Lightweight World Title fight against Karen Carabajal at the OVO Arena Wembley, London.

Katie Taylor is a national hero and legend in the world of boxing. The sports star is a two-weight world champion and Olympic gold medalist, who is adored by the people of Dublin. She attended St Kilian’s Community School in Bray.

Read more: