U2 playing a hometown gig is as good excuse as any for visiting Ireland.

Not that I needed an excuse.

I'd been wanting to go to Ireland for a very, very long time. A ridiculously large percentage of my forebears came across the pond from Ireland, and I wanted to see my ancestral home. Three U2 shows at Croke Park were enough of a kick in the bum to get me to save up the dosh to make the pilgrimage.

The trip ended up being much more. The timing was perfect for me to also ferry over to London for Live 8 and two Nine Inch Nails shows, plus I got to drop a few quid at my shops of preference and see some good friends whom I normally only see at Convergences.

My photos and trip journal are here. Enjoy!