Grattan Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin Ireland. Credit: littlenySTOCK/Shutterstock.com

Dentons is set to become the latest international firm to open an office in Dublin with the hire of two partners from local firms.

The global giant has hired finance and capital markets partner Peter O'Brien from top Irish firm Matheson for the launch, along with corporate partner Eavan Saunders from fellow Irish heavyweight William Fry.

O'Brien will lead the new base — expected to be operational by the second quarter of this year — as chair.

According to a statement by Dentons, the base will initially focus on transactional work for clients particularly in the financial services, real estate, energy, infrastructure and technology sectors.

Dentons CEO Elliott Portnoy added in a statement: "Dublin is a leading offshore funds centre, a global centre of aviation finance and nine out of 10 of the world's largest tech companies have their European headquarters in the city. Ireland is a priority market for many of our clients."

"However, many of the strongest firms in Ireland rely on referrals from firms outside of London. That is why we are opening our own office rather than combining with another firm at this time."

The firm is the latest international player to launch an offering, with many other established firms expanding their bases there in the last year.

Several firms grew via local mergers last year, including Fieldfisher and Clark Hill. Meanwhile Clyde & Co launched an office in the city, while DLA Piper hired a four-partner team to its base in the Irish capital.