Recomendatoins for 2 bed apt

Colleague is moving over from Germany and is looking for a 'great location' apartment. This is perfect but at 3,500 a month a tad expensive. This is cheaper at 1150 but its ground floor. Then there is this at 1350 but price is a bit steep for where it is when he could get this which is close for 1150 but i think castleknock is a tad boring.

Any other areas......2 bed....apt....First hand knowledge would be great.

(excuse the spelling on the title !)

People have different views on 'Great Location'. You need to know what sort of stuff he wants. Where will he be working? How much of a commute does he want? Would he prefer to live in town etc etc. Does it have to be a 2 bed place?

What about Ranelagh? Nice place to live - pubs/restaurants etc and still only a few minutes from town.
http://www.daft.ie/searchrental.daft?search=1&s[cc_id]=ct1&s[a_id]=276&s[mnp]=&s[mxp]=&s[bd_no]=2&s[search_type]=rental&s[refreshmap]=1&limit=10&search_type=rental&id=415548

Please note that LLL is a forum to discuss a specific area.