American student James Maddy rode into town just a few months ago and now lives in one of the most desirable pads in the city, a penthouse in Temple Bar with double height ceilings, huge windows and a mesmerising view of Temple Bar Square which is thronged with people by night.
A bit noisy, he admits ("sometimes it sounds as though people are dying out there"), but exhilarating all the same. Originally from Denver, Colorado, James studies theology by day and spends his evenings in the neighbourhood cafes - the apartment's swish kitchen is foreign territory, he says. The Philippe Starck dining chairs and table lie idle as guests plonk themselves unceremoniously into two big sofas around a real flame fire. The apartment is really a triplex, with bedrooms on the first floor, a livingroom cum kitchen in the middle and access to a rooftop balcony by a squiggly metal staircase that dominates the entire space. "Its great to be living here," says James, in philosophical mode. "This is probably the first and last penthouse I will ever have."