How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dublin

Dublin is famous for its conviviality. But at New Year, there is special cheer to be found in the streets of the Irish capital. Visitors from all over the world flock to Dublin to see out the old year and welcome the new.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Book accommodation. It’s best to do this early as Dublin can get fairly crowded at New Years. Some hotels will offer package deals featuring access to their own exclusive New Year celebrations. The Visit Dublin website offers a search facility which allows you to see what accommodation’s available and to book online (see Resources). You may also see some special New Year's offers on the site.
2. Attend the New Year’s Eve gala concert in Ireland’s National Concert Hall. This feast of classical favourites has become a traditional part of Dublin’s New Year celebrations. Advance booking will be required for this one. Check the National Concert Hall’s website for details (see Resources).
3. Find a party. The Temple Bar area, with its cobbled streets and vibrant nightlife, is definitely the place to be. There will be free street parties all over, unticketed festivities going on in many pubs and more formal affairs, which require advance booking, in some of the area’s plush hotels. Whether you want to celebrate with an evening of traditional Irish music and dancing, or prefer something more funky and modern, you’re sure to find something to suit.
4. Go to Christ Church Cathedral to hear the bells ring in the New Year. For centuries, the area around this medieval structure has formed the traditional gathering spot for Dubliners as the stroke of midnight approaches. No need to buy tickets or make bookings. Just turn up and enjoy the fun! You’ll find instructions on how to get to Christ Church Cathedral on its website (see Resources).
5. Attend the Lord Mayor’s Parade on New Year’s Day. This is a colourful pageant with marching bands from around the world playing rousing traditional tunes as well as medleys of modern popular music. No booking is necessary. You can find details of which bands are playing and what the parade route will be on the New Year’s Day Parade Route website (see Resources).