News

High-profile Bono and friends enjoy a low-profile weekend

April 23rd, 2016 2:35 PM

By Jackie Keogh

Bono and Adam Clayton of U2 planting trees in Liss Ard at the weekend with the estate's general manager Aidan Shannon and Liss Ard staff member Dylan Shannon, Drimoleague.

Share this article

A high-profile party including Bono and his wife Ali enjoyed a low-profile visit to Liss Ard Estate in Skibbereen last weekend.

A HIGH-PROFILE party including Bono and his wife Ali enjoyed a low-profile visit to Liss Ard Estate in Skibbereen last weekend.

The group arrived on Friday afternoon and departed around noon on Sunday but not before they had sampled the delights of the 163-acre luxury estate overlooking Lough Abisdealy.

A spokesperson for the estate – which is currently for sale – confirmed their stay at the weekend and even posted a magnificent photo of the group lined up in front of, and indeed perched on, a massive tree in the garden.

The spokesperson told The Southern Star they were delighted to host Bono, Adam and their friends. ‘However, our policy here at Liss Ard is to always keep details about our guests’ visits private and discreet.’

The spokesman did, however, mention that Bono and his friends enjoyed some great meals over the weekend. ‘They were prepared using local ingredients by our superb head chef Pamela Kelleher and her team,’ he said.

Bono and Ali were joined by Adam Clayton and artist Guggi, as well as members of their family and friends – all of whom enjoyed the privacy of the walled estate, which is noted for its Sky Garden by James Turrell.

During the visit, Bono added to the appeal of the place by planting a flowering cherry tree while Adam planted a Sheerwater seedling, near the Sky Garden. 

They were just the latest in a line of celebrity musicians who have planted trees at Liss Ard. Over the years, Patti Smith, Nick Cave and Lou Reed have all made their mark by planting a tree and having their name inset into a wall near the Lake Lodge.

Liss Ard, as the website states, offers ‘a home from home feeling ... striking the perfect balance of seclusion without solitude.’ It is on the market and maybe, just maybe, these rock star owners of The Clarence hotel in Dublin could be persuaded to buy a bolthole in beautiful West Cork.

Share this article