Docklands

Slick HQ for Dublin's young and dynamic

Talk of the town: Ireland's tallest building was due to be built here but plans are currently on hold, thanks to the subprime financial fiasco. It was to house U2's recording studio at the top, hence the nickname 'U2 Tower'.
As with many major cities, Dublin's former Docklands has been regenerated and the eastern district, once known for shipyards and slums, is now replete with swish flats, offices, restaurants and shops.

But while such areas have a tendency to be rather soulless - yes, we're looking at you, London - Dublin's has a genuinely forward-looking buzz about it, particularly around Hanover Quay, long-time home of U2's recording studio and now Facebook's Irish headquarters. Totems of the Dockland's varied history have been preserved, too, in the grand, Georgian form of Custom House, former trade union centre Liberty Hall and the tall ship Jeanie Johnston, a working replica of a 19th century famine ship.
The area's more contemporary attractions include the O2 and the new, Daniel Liebskind-designed Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, as well as lots of smart places to re-fuel (we recommend the Ely gastro pub in Grand Canal Square and Herbstreet in Hanover Quay).