DUBLIN – YOUR NEW HOME?

Ireland is Europe’s fastest growing economy for the second year in a row, with its capital city Dublin at its economic heart. Some of the world’s leading companies have their home in Dublin, and many more are seeing the many advantages of this energetic city.

With this growing economy, more and more people are relocating to Dublin, either transferring within their organisations for short or extended stays, or seeking their fortune in this bustling global services hub. If you find yourself in Dublin for business, how can you make it your home?

Whether or not you’ve been to Dublin before, arriving here for business will inevitably feel different as you view the city through the eyes of a potential resident, rather than a tourist. Unlike some of the world’s other sprawling capital cities, Dublin is compact in size, making it easier for you to find a base regardless of where your place of employment is located. So whether you’re posted to Dublin for the short term, or coming to establish a longer term base, avoid hotels and guesthouses and look for serviced apartments that will allow you the independence to experience the city as a native, and time to figure out where you want to live longer term.

With many companies based in Dublin’s IFSC (International Financial Services Centre), it makes sense to base yourself in this area on Dublin’s Northside at least initially. the IFSC employs approximately 25,000 people, and comprises some 450 internationally and Irish owned businesses and Dublin’s Docklands is fast becoming one of the most sought after places to live in Dublin City.

Of course we’re all familiar with the old adage about all work and no play – make sure you take time out to really experience the vibrant city of Dublin. There’s plenty of National Museums and Galleries for the culturally inclined, as well as hundreds of public parks and gardens across the region.
Get out and about and meet people at the local markets. Dublin’s markets are a great way to spend a few hours and there’s no shortage. Look for food markets, book markets, flea markets, antique markets … the list is endless. And don’t forget to head out of the city centre – Howth, set below the hilly headland at the northern boundary of Dublin bay is easily reached by DART, and home to Howth market with its array of Irish crafts, delicate handmade jewellery, and vintage antiques; perfect for gift shopping.

If you’re staying for some time, you’ll undoubtedly experience one of Dublin’s many festivals. St Patrick’s Day Festival is well known (around March 17th), but it’s far from the only one. Keep an eye out for Dun Laoghaire Festival of International Cultures in August, and the Dun Laoghaire Regatta in May. There is a series of open-air events in Marley Park throughout the year, and every summer Iveagh Park hosts the ‘Taste of Dublin’ featuring Dublin’s finest fare along with varied Irish and international entertainment.

Dublin is of course all about the pub culture, and where better to make new friends than in one of the many historic pubs. As Brendan Behan said, there are no strangers here, just friends you haven’t met.

Birch Estate Management can offer comfortable serviced apartments perfect for short or long corporate stays in the heart of the IFSC.