With U2's massive Croke Park gig coming up this weekend, The Church Bar, a favourite haunt for U2 fans, is hosting a series of U2 themed events this week. This is sure to be another special experience as The Official U2 Fans Touring Group and DREAM OUT LOUD documentary will be filmed on site.

One of Europe’s leading U2 tribute bands U2BABY will also fly to Ireland to entertain the dedicated fans and those who were unlucky to get tickets to the real thing…

The action kicks off at The Church Thursday with the launch of their U2 PopUp Bar "Ultra Violet" named after U2 fan Alan Robins, who sadly passed away this year, aged 49. Hi favorite U2 song was "Ultraviolet." A fan made tribute video will be shown over the weekend to honor Alan.

The action kicks off at The Church on Friday 21 July at 10:30pm and Saturday 22 July at Midnight. Returning this year is the fan favorite U2 Theme Bar in the Church Cellar full of U2 from wall to ceiling and U2 music back to back.

U2 BABY, A U2 Tribute band nominated for UK National Music Tribute Awards 2016 and recently back from playing in Monte Carlo, will fly to Ireland to play live Friday 21st July at 10:30pm and Saturday 22nd July at Midnight for the U2 show fan after party. The band will deliver an Innocence and Experience style show with some added surprises. A fully synchronized and impressive light show will also enhance the “U2” vibe for the performances.

Having played The Church Bar for U2’s 40th Anniversary fan party the band received great praise from former U2 band member Ivan McCormick who attended. “ I had to do a double-take when I saw these guys take to the stage in a crowded, hot and sweaty bar... With a few pints of Guinness blurring the edges - no pun intended – I was transported back to '78 and the Dandelion Market gigs,” he said.

And from longtime friend of the band Guggi, who also attend the U240 event at the Church, said: “I thought U2Baby were amazing. I think I prefer them to U2 – and it was much easier to get in!”

"Over the weekend we will also have #WelcomeToTheNorthside Cocktail Specials and some great U2 prizes to be won," says a spokesperson for the event, "including signed and numbered photos of U2 taken by award winning photographer Peter Rowan, Peter himself was the face of the U2 Boy album and has a special history with the band."

It promises to be a great Irish "Welcome to The Northside of Dublin", to all who are travelling from across the globe to celebrate the Greatest Band in The World, “U2”.

The Church has a musical history that dates back to April 1742 when George Frederic Handel practiced his music from Messiah, before its first public performance on Fishamble street. The Church is the best spot in town to give visiting fans a Warm #WelcomeToTheNorthside of Dublin.

There's no cover charge for any of these events so get there early. They accept bookings for groups of 10 +. To reserve an area in their restaurant or to reserve group area to see the band Live Contact then at [email protected] Or Call (01)8280102

**Use the hashtags #WelcomeToTheNorthside and #TheChurchDublin to keep up to date.