The Irish Independent – The D2 high life: This duplex penthouse comes to market for the first time

Grand Canal Dock is looking pretty gorgeous these sunny days, with not a table to be had outside any of its cafes. The water is thronged with kayakers and youngsters in wetsuits simply jumping in for the craic. The distinctive yellow Viking Splash Tours – a tour of Dublin on land and water in a Second World War amphibious vehicle, puts in an appearance many times each day; the passengers roaring in unison at the behest of their driver. And there is construction activity wherever you look, with buildings going up in every direction.

Waterways Ireland has aspirations for Grand Canal Dock, which include mixed residential, commercial and cultural development at the Georgian graving docks; these lie to your left as you survey the panorama from the terrace of 65 The Waterfront, directly opposite the magnificent Daniel Libeskind-designed Bord Gais Energy Theatre which lies to your right.

There will be a Green Mile running track around the circumference of the dock, and a berth and embarkation point at Hanover Quay, where a U2 Centre is mooted and Harry Crosbie is hoping to develop a boutique hotel.

Restaurants in Grand Canal Dock include new arrival Nutbutter, with a distinctly Californian and very healthy offering, while a branch of Boojum caters to a different demographic. Other options include the perennially popular Herbstreet, and The Marker’s summer rooftop South Pacific tiki-style cocktail offering has been pulling in punters in the sunshine.