New Year’s Eve in Dublin
IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOOOWN….
Do-da-do-do Do-do-do-da-doooo
Yes, we’re singing. But it’s what everyone will be singing on 31st December – and I bet you’re humming already.
It’s only 48 days until New Year’s Eve, and I think you can tell we’re excited. Let me show you why.
In the last couple of years, Dublin has dramatically upped its game on its New Year’s Eve offering. Perhaps it was watching the ball drop among all those crowds in New York’s Time Square, or the fireworks exploding over the Sydney Opera House – Dublin wanted a piece of the action.
It decided to show all those big cities that there was a new New Year’s gig in town. So it set the stage – literally – with a festival. A parade, concert, lighting show and, the explosive icing on the cake, a firework show.
2013 is the number
Times Square and Sydney harbour still looking appealing? Well, we have another trick up our sleeve.
How will we top last year’s two-day festival? By making it part of a year-long, biggest-ever, country-wide festival. Yes, we really did come prepared. The Gathering will kick off and get its kicks as part of Dublin’s sparkling New Year’s Eve. This translates as a bigger, louder party and, we imagine, brighter fireworks.
The Countdown Concert near Temple Bar will be HQ, where the big name bands will play their little hearts out in front of amazing lighting projections. You’ll need a ticket for that, but really the whole city will feel like a street party. Free festival zones will be pocketed around the city, with live bands, DJs, animated lighting (we’re not sure what it is, but we like the sound of it), dancers and street performers.
NYE Dublin midnight celebration
We like the cute touch of the Big Brunch – a family affair on “the morning after the night before”.
Sooooooooooo… pretty convincing package ain’t it? And not even New York or Sydney would dare question Dublin’s ability to throw a party.
It’ll be the biggest one of the year – of both years! – so it’s about time you made the resolution to enjoy yourself this New Year’s Eve.
Get tons of Dublin insider info, hotel packages, and full NYE festival programme
I visited Dublin once. Gorgeous city! Would love to visit again!!!!
Aileen! I love your writings. I’m an American named Mick Carlon who lives on Cape Cod. Your beautiful country has stayed in my heart and I can’t wait to return. I’ve written a young adult novel, “Riding on Duke’s Train,” that is being taught in many American schools. The story is about a young boy, Danny, who hitches a ride in 1937 on a train that belongs to Duke Ellington and his orchestra. As an old man, Danny settles in Avoca, taking daily walks to the Meeting of the Waters. Both of these places are among the most beautiful I have ever seen–and by writing about them, it was like visiting them again. The novel is published by Leapfrog Press and can be ordered on-line. Keep on with your INCREDIBLE writing! Best, Mick
I would love to win an all expense paid trip to Dublin to bring in the new year.
It has been a life dream to visit the land of my ancestor.
I’ve been to Avoca and like Mick Carlon, I found it enchanting. The television series, Ballykissangel, was filmed there and I watched it every Tuesday night on
PBS (about 10 years ago). Never in my wildest dreams
did I picture myself there in that lovely little town of Avoca, sitting in the local pub, Fitzgerald’s, eating lunch. Nevertheless, there I sat, taking it all in.
I fell in love with Ireland and its charming, friendly people.
It’s time to make another trip there.
Carol, did you visit the Meeting of the Waters, a few miles outside of Avoca? One of the most peaceful, beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Ireland just kind of seeps into your soul, doesn’t it? Best, Mick
I av just booked Dublin for new year and after reading this I can’t wait, I av never been to Ireland so this promises to be a memorable new year.