Dublin has a split personality, on one side striving to be cosmopolitan, but on the other still rough around the edges. It can be calm and soothing or lively and exhilarating; chic and modern with trendy bars and high-flying young people, or old-fashioned with traditional pubs and an older generation still hanging on to pre-EU values. It takes only a few days of wandering round to get to know Dublin intimately. Dubliners still bump into people they know on the street; imagine the chances of that happening in London or Paris. Despite some exceptional Georgian architecture, it can look dull and grey, but only a few stops away on the DART and you can be by the sea or among spectacular mountain scenery.

What was it on that wet and windy visit to Dublin that really got under our skin? Its fascination, without doubt, lies within the people. They are laid back, have a great sense of humour and love to stop for a chat. There is a twinkle in the eye, an impish grin and irresistible charm that is uniquely Irish.

With a booming economy, Dublin is ever-changing and as the surge of partying visitors and sophisticated bars and restaurants continue to shape the city, we sincerely hope that the old Dublin will hold its ground.