What are the best neighborhoods in Dublin?

I'll be moving to work in Loughlinstown in the next few months. I do not know the area, and was hoping for some help on where to rent once I arrive. A bit of information about me, I'm single and early 30s and would prefer to be within walking/cycle distance of where I'd be working rather than have the added hassle of buying a car etc. I would imagine I would also be heading into the centre of Dublin a lot due to friends I know living in Dublin 2 and 4, so an easy/fast route would also be necessary. Any help would be brillint, thanks.