New Year's Celebrations in Dublin
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 27/09/2007 10:47:22
- In: Christmas in Ireland
Dublin is a great city to visit any time of the year, but it’s a magical place at Christmas and the New Year. From carol singers on street corners and live music in pubs, wherever you go you’re sure to be entertained. The city really comes alive especially after dark, so just strolling around the city’s streets at night is an attraction in itself!
As it’s becoming more and more popular to head away to ring in the New Year, why not let Dublin be the place that you welcome 2008! Read on for more information…
If you appreciate classical music then book yourself one of the hottest tickets in town, to the annual RTE New Year's Eve Gala Concert, which will be held in the National Concert Hall (NCH). It’s a great opportunity to get dressed up in all your finery and relax to some all time classics and melodic Viennese music
If you want to party your way into 2008 then you couldn't be in a better place than Dublin. You'll find lots of traditional Irish bars, disco bars, and nightclubs which will all have their own countdown at midnight. You'll find an excellent selection in Temple Bar – Dublin's vibrant cultural quarter. If you're heading to a restaurant then book well in advance.
Why not ring in the New Year to the sound of the Christchurch Bells which will be heard ringing throughout the entire city at midnight. This is a big tradition in Dublin city centre where hundreds of people flock to Christchurch Cathedral to hear the tolling of these famous bells. The cathedral has a record number of 19 bells. If you're going to this event then get there early – wrap up warm, get a good spot and join in with the other revellers outside the cathedral.
Other New Year's events include The Lord Mayors New Years Day Parade. This fun and entertaining parade hosts some fantastic marching bands from home and abroad. The parade starts off on Parnell Street (just north of O’Connell St,), makes its way up through Dublin’s main thoroughfare O' Connell Street where all the acts stop and perform for Dublin’s Lord Mayor.
January is panto time in Dublin so this year why not take the family to see "Beauty & the Beast" which is performing in the Gaiety Theatre with two shows daily.
Another New Years Day activity to enjoy is ice-skating and this year again, Dublin has two venues, Smithfield on Ice (at Smithfield) and 7up on Ice (in the RDS).
Funderland takes over the RDS from the 26th December and most of January. If you’re a bit of a dare devil try some of the amazing rides like the Fribee, the DropZone, the Wild Mouse, the Jungle River or one of the many rollercoasters.
New Years is a very busy time in Ireland's charming capital city, so it's never too early to book your accommodation.
If you know of any more events happening in Dublin, feel free to add them to the list by leaving a comment in the box below. Or why not tell us what your New Years plans in Dublin are! And remember if you've a question, don't hesitate to ask and we'll get back to you right away.
(Keep an eye on our Blog as we will be adding more New Years Eve events)
Subscribe to RSS feed
Comments
We really appreciate your comments. We reserve the right to moderate posted comments and may paraphrase individual entries. Opinions expressed here are not the opinions held by GoIreland.com unless expressly stated.
- #1
- Posted by: Tara Quinn
- On: 03/11/2007 21:47:09
Hi,My husband and I are bringing our 3 children, 10,7,5 to Dublin for New Years eve. We would appreciate if you could let us know of any fun places to eat in the evening for the children which maybe have entertainment? Regards TARA- #2
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 05/11/2007 16:44:49
Hi Tara, Thanks for your comment! Well you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of family restaurants in Dublin. Places that might suit you and your family include; Captain America's on Grafton Street (Tel: +353 (0) 1 671 5266), Luigi Malone's in Temple Bar (Tel: +353 (0)1 679 2723) and The Elephant and Castle in Temple Bar (Tel: +353 (0)1 679 3121). These restaurants are all located in the heart of Dublin city. All restaurants in Dublin are extremely busy on New Year's Eve so book well in advance. Hope this helps! Regards, Editor.- #3
- Posted by: Dave Lane
- On: 12/11/2007 21:47:44
Hi. We are a group of families with teenage children looking for an entertaining way to see in the New Year. Ideally a hotel package with a meal, followed by music dancing disco or similar (but not a black tie do). Thanks for any suggestions- #4
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 13/11/2007 15:57:15
Hi Dave,Thanks for your comment!
To be honest your choices are limited, as the licensing laws state that children cannot be in a public house after 9pm. For other New Years Eve activities in Dublin you could take the children to see the fireworks display or to Funderland. You could also check out the restaurants posted in the previous comment.
Hope this helps,
Regards
Editor
- #5
- Posted by: Kath Thomas
- On: 17/11/2007 15:16:39
Hi, me and my two friends are coming to dublin for new years we are wondering whether we have to book tickets to get into the night clubs on new years eve! And if so what night clubs could you suggest? Thanks- #6
- Posted by: Emily
- On: 18/11/2007 00:29:56
Hi!My husband, and our two best friends will be visiting Dublin for New Years Eve. We are looking for recommendations for a laid back restaurant or pub where we can eat dinner then hang out and drink to celebrate. Nothing too fancy. We are staying right near St. Stephens Green & Grafton St. so would love to go somewhere within walking distance. We want to make reservations but have no idea where to even begin. Thanks!Emily- #7
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 20/11/2007 12:00:57
Hi Kath, Thanks for your question! Not sure whether or not you'll have to book tickets for a nightclub - suppose it'll depend on the decision of each venue to hold 'ticket-only' events, the best thing would be to contact them in advance. Here's just a few of the top night club spots in Dublin: Club M Boomerang POD Renards Lillies Bordello Hope you have a great time in Dublin this New Years Eve! All the best, Editor- #8
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 20/11/2007 12:45:28
Hi Emily,Thanks for your question!
It'll probably be a bit tricky to find a laid-back pub or restaurant in Dublin city centre on New Years Eve - Dubliners like nothing better than to party after all!
There are absolutely loads of pubs and restaurants in the centre of Dublin so when you arrive, take a good wander around and suss out where you think might suit you for your night out.
As you'd expect from a cosmopolitan city like Dublin, even the smallest bars on the outskirts of the city are likely to be packed to the rafters on December 31st.
Some of the Dublin hotel bars and restaurants might be a good bet though for a slightly more relaxed approach - in the St. Stephens Green/Grafton Street area check out:
Westbury Hotel, O'Callaghan Stephens Green Hotel,
Brooks Hotel,
Mercer Hotel,
Grafton Capital Hotel
Central Hotel.
- #9
- Posted by: Sara
- On: 20/11/2007 16:54:53
Hi, I am going to Dublin with 5 other girls for new years eve and we were wondering if there are any R&B clubs we could go to on the big night. Thanks.- #10
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 20/11/2007 17:17:11
Hi Sara,Thanks for your question!
We're not too sure at the moment if there are any specific R&B nights planned for New Years Eve in Dublin. However, places that do hold regular R&B nights include Club M and The Vaultsso you could check them out.
Hope this helps and we hope you and your friends have great time in Dublin this New Years Eve!
All the best,
Editor
- #11
- Posted by: Paul
- On: 23/11/2007 06:11:15
Hi, I am also going to be in Dublin for new years this year with two friends we are coming in from America. I have a few questions. We are staying at the Quality Hotel and Leisure Centre Dublin. Is this place nice in a good location and is it a decent hotel? We have scheduled a pub crawl on the Friday we get in. We secured a driver for the entire day on Saturday, What in your opinion would be good places to see in our out of Dublin. Sunday we have the GUINNESS Tour scheduled. Monday night for new years we have nothing planned we also do not have anything planned for Tuesday. Do you have any suggestions for either time? We would like to hangout in a Bar new years not in the Temple Bar area as I have heard that it is a Zoo.. A friend suggested Kehoes.. What do you think?I appreciate any information you can give...Cheers,Paul- #12
- Posted by: jack chandler
- On: 26/11/2007 20:45:55
Hi we are a middle aged couple, no kids booked into O'Callaghan Alexandra hotel new years eve. Just looking for a nice eating/dancing (maybe cabaret "Do")in sensible reach of the hotel to see in the new year. Classy place, nice meal and some good fun. Any ideas where to go?- #13
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 27/11/2007 15:12:05
Hi Paul, Some of the top attractions in Dublin include Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, National Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Writers Museum or even if you want to sample more alcohol, head to the Old Jameson Distillery. As for our opinion on the Quality Hotel Dublin, why not check out what our customers thought of this Dublin hotel? These reviews are left by people who've actually stayed in the hotel so they are 100% genuine and not contrived in any way. Regarding bars to hang out in; maybe take a wander around Dublin when you touch down and suss out a few places yourself to find something to suit your needs. Dublin has a great range of pubs from traditional bars where the locals drink to the more bright, shiny 'super-pubs' - just depends what your tastes are. We hope you have a great time in Dublin this New Years Eve and don't forget to come back on here to let everyone know how your trip to Dublin went - we'd love to hear all about it. All the best, Editor- #14
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 27/11/2007 15:21:14
Hi Jack Chandler,Thanks for your question!
Because your Dublin hotel is so central, you'll be within walking distance of loads of top bars, restaurants, etc. As for any cabaret-style events, I'm afraid we don't know of any at the moment so we'll throw this question open to our readers!
If anyone knows of any cabaret-style events taking place in central Dublin on New Years Eve, drop us a line in the comment box below.
- #15
- Posted by: Rory
- On: 11/12/2007 15:51:34
Hello, you mentioned above about a firework display near dublin, where abouts exactly is this display??Rory- #16
- Posted by: Mairéad
- On: 31/12/2007 01:17:51
Hi, I saw Rory's comment as well and I was wondering is there fireworks on anywhere? I have looked on the Dublin Docklands website and the Dublin City Councul and I can't see anything. Although Christchurch sounds like a good idea.- #17
- Posted by: cb
- On: 31/12/2007 11:25:50
Just wondering the same thing.. where are the fireworks ?- #18
- Posted by: George
- On: 27/07/2008 03:52:08
are there any fireworks in Dublin for new years eve. Is there a place to go to watch or just being in the Temple Bar area will be exciting enough. My wif and I are staying in the Shelbourne Marriott..............Thanks- #19
- Posted by: name pamela
- On: 13/08/2008 22:38:22
Hi, I live in Dublin and would like to ring in the New Year with something differant this year. I have two young children and would like a hotel with some child friendly entertainment and a nice New Years Day dinner to follow, any suggestions?- #20
- Posted by: lee hunter
- On: 28/08/2008 09:07:58
hello i have booked 4 days in dublin over new years eve for me and my wife gill(not told her)any help on where to eat and then go for a drink on new years eve if like leeds will i need to book and buy tickets so we can get into the pubs we are both in our 40s so in for a good time any one help. many thanks lee- #21
- Posted by: Tina
- On: 31/08/2008 10:38:25
Hi, myself and a friend (2 girls of a certain age ) are planning to spend New Year in Dublin we are looking for pubs with real people in them no posers please !! live music and friendly. Can you please tell me if those places are in the centre or outside Dublin before I book accommodation any suggestions please ??- #22
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 02/09/2008 09:24:46
Hi Tina,Thanks for your comment. There's a wide variety of pubs throughout Dublin. City centre Dublin pubs vary from traditional style pubs to bright shiny super bars. On New Year's Eve you'll find that most Dublin pubs will have live music entertainment of some kind, so you'll be able to ring in the new year wherever you decide to go.
Maybe when you arrive in Dublin, take a stroll through the Temple Bar area. This is a very popular tourist area and you might find a bar that you like here. There are also plenty pubs around the O'Connell Street area and Grafton Street area of Dublin or you may just discover a hidden gem by exploring the side streets and seeing what you find.
- #23
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 02/09/2008 09:33:26
Hi Lee,Thanks for your question. We don't think you'll need to book tickets to get into a Dublin pub on New Year's Eve except where there are specific events planned for a specific venue.
However, if you're planning on going to a restaurant on the night, you really should look at booking a table early to avoid disappointment. Why not check out our Dublin Restaurants and Dublin Pubs listings to see if there's anywhere that suits you.
- #24
- Posted by: Ashley
- On: 04/09/2008 23:00:07
Greetings! My friend & I are spending the week of New Years in Dublin...any fun recommendations for two single girls, age 30?- #25
- Posted by: Editor
- On: 05/09/2008 09:25:38
Hi Ashley,Thanks for your comment. There's plenty to see and do in Dublin at any time of the year, especially in and around the New Year. During the day you can check out some of the city's top attractions. Here's a list of the Top 10 visitor attractions in the city. Another great way to check out the sights in Dublin is on one of its bus tours.
As for nightlife, Dublin's nightlife is second to none. You'll find that city centre pubs vary from traditional Irish pubs to ultra stylish super bars. On New Year's Eve most Dublin pubs should have live music of some kind or other.
Temple Bar is the nightlife hot spot of Dublin. It's cobblestone streets really come to life after dark. It's literally bursting at the seams with top class restaurants, pubs and nightclubs.
Basically your choice is endless! Book your accommodation early though, Dublin will be jam packed on New Years. Check out our Dublin city hotels page.
Leave a comment