Getting there Dublin International Airport is about 12km from the city centre, and there are plenty of buses and taxis to service it. Aer Lingus flies to Dublin from a large number of European cities and from the US. Ryanair, British Airways and BMI all fly to the city from the UK and there are regular ferry services between the two countries.

Business climate Companies with major offices in Dublin include Google, Microsoft and Amazon. Attractions include one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe (fixed at 12.5 per cent until 2025) and an English-speaking population. Dublin has been voted one of the world's best cities to live in.

Don't miss Merrion Square, with its grand Georgian buildings and the National Gallery. It's easy to see why Christ Church cathedral is one of the city's most photographed attractions. Trinity College, alma mater of Oscar Wilde, is home to the Book of Kells. The numerous bus tours humorously explain Dubliners' predilection for giving their famous statues nicknames. The Guinness Factory is worth a trip, while all the best bars are on Dawson Street.

Culture The city offers a wealth of treasures from the modern, exciting Science Gallery at Trinity College to the Hugh Lane Gallery, where visitors can listen to free concerts on Sundays while gazing at the Manets and Renoirs. The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour is an engaging look at the Easter Rising, while the Chester Beatty Library houses an astonishing array of rare manuscripts. Check out a gig at the Olympia, Dublin's oldest music hall.

Shopping Grafton Street, south of the river Liffey, is the shopping Mecca—don't miss a trip to the chic Brown Thomas department store. If you're a cigar-lover there's a great little specialist at the St Stephen's Green end of the street. Off Grafton Street you'll find more boutiques and cafes. North of the Liffey are O'Connell Street, Henry Street and Talbot Street. Cow's Lane Market, near Temple Bar every Saturday, is good for emerging fashion.

Where to stay Try The Clarence, owned by Irish band U2, or The Shelbourne, a Dublin institution. Victorian from the outside, strikingly modern on the inside, The Dylan offers 44 funky rooms, six suites and a cool cocktail bar. John Rocha designed the interior at The Morrison—it's stylish yet comfortable. For B&Bs, Waterloo House in lovely Ballsbridge comes highly recommended.

Eat like a local Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud has two Michelin stars and serves stylish French haute cuisine. Chapter One combines French and Irish fare, while Sixty6 has a great atmosphere and food to match. Roly's Bistro is an affordable delight and the art deco Café en Seine is a lunchtime treat.