But, be prepared . . . an apartment on the waterfront costs around 85,000 more than one overlooking the courtyard. A two-bed overlooking Grand Canal Dock costs around 630,000. And on top of that only homeowners buying on the waterfront can opt for one of the precious 48,000-carspaces!

Undoubtedly set to be one of Dublin's most vibrant new neighbourhoods, the Grand Canal Dock regeneration project is working out to be a highly sought-after neighbourhood.

A number of different apartment developments surround the canal dock, including Gallery Quay and Hanover Quay as well as McNamara's Longboat Quay.

New office buildings have been taken by a number of the country's leading law firms, making this something of a legal quarter on the south Liffey quayside.

The apartments are within 15 minutes walk of the city centre and face onto both the Grand Canal Dock and the Liffey at Sir John Rogerson's Quay.

Altogether the docklands area on both the north and south side is due to be totally transformed by 2012.

When completed, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) will have spend 7billion on regeneration, including 136 million on improving the social environment. Around 40,000 jobs will be created in the area in the next six years, and the docklands will be home to around 50,000 people.

Longboat Quay has amazing views across the Liffey and the dock, including glimpses of Howth or the Dublin Mountains depending on which side you live.

Previously sold from plans, this is the first time the sleek and sophisticated show units are open to the public, and selling agents at Hooke & MacDonald are expecting strong interest.

"We've had a lot of inquiries, particularly from young couples and people working locally, " says Gavin McCarthy of Hooke & MacDonald.

From the Grand Canal Dock side of Longboat Quay, apartments will overlook the new Daniel Libeskinddesigned theatre and performance centre, and will also have views of the large landscaped public gardens, which have been designed by American landscape architect Martha Schwartz.

The new civic square will also be adjacent to the apartments.

At ground level of the building there will be a Spar shop, restaurant and art gallery, while the new five-star Meridien Hotel will be just a few minutes walk away.

On offer in this phase are a mix of one, two and threebed units. One-beds range in size from 43 to 55sq m (470 to 590sq ft), while two-beds are between 63 and 88sq m (680 to 952sq ft), and three-beds are from 82 to 95sq m (880 to 1020sq ft).

Well laid out, apartments here are both comfortable and practical. Most two and three-beds come with an extra room, which buyers can use either as a guest room, study, or diningroom as is the case in the show-unit.

Kitchens are also separate in this scheme, with the living area just beyond the kitchen.

Livingrooms open out to good-sized balconies either overlooking the water or the courtyard gardens.

Another clever design feature is a door which separates the living, kitchen, diningroom and main bathroom from the bedrooms, which have their own spacious hallway.

All bedrooms are goodsized doubles and the main room has an en-suite bathroom.

Both kitchens and bathrooms come complete with floor and wall tiling and recessed lighting.

Bathrooms have concealed plumbing and fitted shelving, while kitchens have cherrywood units with appliances, and black granite worktops.

Built-in wardrobes are included in all bedrooms.

Price: One-beds from 365,000, two-beds from 475,000, threebeds from 560,000, and three-bed duplexes from 595,000.