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Visiting Facebook’s European HQ in Dublin reveals a dynamic, youthful workplace driving innovation, from open spaces to groundbreaking projects like Oculus and the metaverse. Behind the screens, thousands of talents shape tools connecting billions worldwide.
We’re used to experiencing Facebook through a screen – whether it’s on a computer or a smartphone. We interact with it dozens of times a day, maybe even too many. But what lies behind the scenes? To find out, I had the privilege of visiting Meta – Facebook’s European headquarters in Dublin several times, an experience that allowed me to look beyond our daily perspective and explore the inner workings of this extraordinary platform.
The first visit was for a meeting, but it also included a tour of the headquarters—a perfect opportunity to discover the beating heart of Facebook in Europe.
A young and dynamic environment
At 4 Grand Canal Square in the heart of Dublin, around 1,500 people are employed. The first thing that struck me? The average age: between 25 and 30. In a time when youth unemployment is a significant issue, especially in Italy, it’s reassuring to see so many young people thriving in such a stimulating environment. Admittedly, there aren’t many Italians here, but joining Facebook is no small feat. It’s a result of solid skills and passing numerous international interviews.
A Silicon Valley-style workplace
The spaces are modern, designed as open-plan offices that encourage collaboration and creativity. But there’s more: employees also have access to rooms dedicated to sports and leisure, all in classic Silicon Valley style. There are no fixed working hours—what matters is the outcome.
The Dublin headquarters manages many of the tools we use daily, from Facebook itself to Instagram, Oculus, and more. One highlight for visitors is a room showcasing Aquila, the experimental solar drone that marked an innovative (and recently concluded) chapter in the exploration of aerospace technology.
A canteen… with a twist
During my visit, I was invited to dine at Facebook’s exclusive restaurant. The format? All-you-can-eat-and-drink. The variety of food is broad and diverse, but what truly stands out is the atmosphere: young professionals, a lively environment, and palpable energy.
Stories that inspire
One aspect that always fascinates me, whether in people or companies, is their story. On the sixth floor of the building, there’s an area dedicated entirely to showcasing how businesses have grown using Facebook. You’ll find three interactive stations celebrating these success stories, along with a display chronicling Facebook’s key milestone:
Key milestones
- 2006: Facebook opens to everyone
- 2011: Launch of Messenger and the Timeline
- 2012: Acquisition of Instagram
- 2014: Arrival of Oculus and WhatsApp
- 2016: Launch of Facebook Live, allowing users to broadcast in real time
- 2017: Introduction of Facebook Marketplace, revolutionizing local buying and selling
- 2020: Launch of Messenger Rooms and expansion of video conferencing tools in response to the pandemic
- 2021: Facebook rebrands as Meta, signaling its focus on the metaverse
- 2022: Horizon Worlds goes live, Meta’s virtual reality platform for social interaction and collaboration
- 2023: Development of cutting-edge generative AI tools and significant investments in AI research
- 2025: Work in progress 🙂
The essence of Facebook
The environment is exactly as you’d imagine: easygoing, friendly, and even a little chaotic. The style of those who work here is informal, with shorts and outfits reflecting the creative freedom that defines the company. Appearances matter little here—it’s the content that counts. And after encountering so many flashy covers with no substance, I know how important this truly is.
Behind the screen we all know, there’s so much more: thousands of talented individuals working to power a machine that employs tens of thousands of people and connects billions worldwide.
Meta is many things, but a visit to its European heart leaves you with one certainty: there’s a passionate, youthful humanity working every day to make it all possible.
