New Year's Celebrations in Dublin

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 Dublin 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)

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
  • By: Tara Quinn
  • On: 03/Nov/07
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

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
  • By: Dave Lane
  • On: 12/Nov/07
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
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
  • By: Kath Thomas
  • On: 17/Nov/07
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
  • By: Emily
  • On: 18/Nov/07
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
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
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
  • By: Sara
  • On: 20/Nov/07
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
  • By: Editor
  • On: 20/Nov/07
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
  • By: Paul
  • On: 23/Nov/07
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
  • By: jack chandler
  • On: 26/Nov/07
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
  • By: Editor
  • On: 27/Nov/07
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
  • By: Editor
  • On: 27/Nov/07
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
  • By: Rory
  • On: 11/Dec/07
Hello, you mentioned above about a firework display near dublin, where abouts exactly is this display??Rory
  • #16
  • By: Mairéad
  • On: 31/Dec/07
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
  • By: cb
  • On: 31/Dec/07
Just wondering the same thing.. where are the fireworks ?
  • #18
  • By: George
  • On: 27/Jul/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
  • By: name pamela
  • On: 13/Aug/08
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
  • By: lee hunter
  • On: 28/Aug/08
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
  • By: Tina
  • On: 31/Aug/08
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
  • By: Editor
  • On: 02/Sep/08
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
  • By: Editor
  • On: 02/Sep/08
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
  • By: Ashley
  • On: 04/Sep/08
Greetings! My friend & I are spending the week of New Years in Dublin...any fun recommendations for two single girls, age 30?
  • #25
  • By: Editor
  • On: 05/Sep/08
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.
  • #26
  • By: ed
  • On: 11/Sep/08
I am try to make hotel reservations in Dublin for the few days before and after New Years--what are the 5 star hotels in the center of Dublin?
  • #27
  • By: james
  • On: 12/Sep/08
hi looking to propose to my girlfriend on new years eve was hoping for a traditional bar/restraunt where it would be suitable? live music no modern. thanks james
  • #28
  • By: Editor
  • On: 12/Sep/08
Hi Ed, Thanks for your comment! The 5 star hotels in Dublin city are; The Westbury Hotel, The Westin Hotel, The Merrion Hotel, The Dylan Hotel, The Conrad Hotel , The Clarence Hotel and about 5km outside the city is the Radisson SAS St. Helen's Hotel. For more info on these hotels, check out our blog on 5 star Dublin Hotels. Regards, Editor.
  • #29
  • By: Editor
  • On: 12/Sep/08
Hi James, Here are some suggestions worth checking out; Pearl Brassiere on Merrion Street, Il Baccaro in Temple Bar,One Pico near St. Stephen's Green, Bleu Bistro Moderne on Dawson Street, Fire Restaurant at the Mansion House, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud at the Merrion Hotel, The Tea Rooms at the Clarence Hotel and Bang Cafe on Merrion Row. These are just some of the restaurants in Dublin which would be suitable for your romantic dinner. Don't think there would be live music while you eat though!If anyone has any other suggestions, please drop us a line and let us know! Regards Editor
  • #30
  • By: ryan
  • On: 29/Sep/08
hi im just wondering if you can help me im goin dublin for new yr eve for 2008 / 2009 im staying just off o Connell Street and wondering were the best place to go ie bars and clubs with out straying too far from the hotel so i dont have to get taxis and wondering do i need to get tickets beforehand if i do were wud i get them thanx plus would u recommend i book somewhere to eat in advance or through the hotel, ur reply would be more then welcome
  • #31
  • By: J
  • On: 29/Sep/08
Hi ya, my boyfriend and I are planning on coming to Dublin for the new year (31st - 3rd Jan) but do not know where to start when it comes to looking for hotels etc.  We would like to be near to the city centre - where would you recommend???  Not too fussy on how many stars etc just as long as it is clean, cosy and comfortable.  Looking to be near the hussle and bussle of Dublin.  Where would you also recommend to eat drink etc?  Sorry if this all seems too much but there are so many websites and I just can not decide.  Thank you.
  • #32
  • By: Editor
  • On: 30/Sep/08
Hi Ryan, Thanks for your comment! If you're staying close to O'Connell Street, then you’re just strolling distance from Temple Bar. This is the nightlife quarter of Dublin and is brimming with restaurants, pubs and clubs, so you're sure to have a great night here! New Year's Eve is always very busy in Dublin and there is likely to be cover charges in all nightclubs and larger bars and the queues will start early in the evening. Definitely book a restaurant well in advance, some restaurants may even be taking bookings now. Check out our 'new' New Year's Eve blog for some events taking place. Regards,Editor
  • #33
  • By: Editor
  • On: 30/Sep/08
Hi J,Thanks for your comment!You're looking for clean and comfortable accommodation in the city centre, so have a look at 2 star Dublin hotels. If you want to be in the thick of all the action, then stay in Temple Bar - Dublin's nightlife hotspot! Check out Temple Bar hotelsTemple Bar is brimming with restaurants but you'll need to make a reservation well in advance for New Years Eve. You'll find some listed in our Dublin Restaurants page. Hope this helps,Regards,Editor
  • #34
  • By: J
  • On: 01/Oct/08
We are booked to stay at the Lansdowne Hotel, 27/29 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge on 31st - 3rd January.  Any advice on where to go for a nice meal (not italian) on New Years eve as I know you may need to book in advance.  We would also like to be close to the Christ Church / Temple Bar area.  Will there be fireworks on New Years Eve?  Thanks
  • #35
  • By: Editor
  • On: 01/Oct/08
Hi J, Thanks for your comment! There are lots of restaurants in Temple Bar, so our advice is browse our Dublin Restaurants page and find one that suits you. Currently there are no details on a  fireworks display this New Year's in Dublin, but if anyone knows out there, please drop us a line and let us know! Regards Editor
  • #36
  • By: charles
  • On: 08/Oct/08
My friends and I are looking to go to Dublin for New Years,  are their fireworks?
  • #37
  • By: Erika
  • On: 31/Oct/08
Hello, we are two girls visiting Dublin for New Year's and are going to stay at Hotel Isaacs. Is this Hotel good? And are there any outdoor activities for New Year's Eve other than the Christ Church Cathedral's Bells ringing? And also, do you have any safety tips for two girls walking alone on streets in Dublin? We have heard that it's quite dangerous as there are many drunkies around that assault people!!! Is this true? Thanks for your help.
  • #38
  • By: Editor
  • On: 31/Oct/08
Hi Erika,
Hotel Isaacs is a 3 star hotel and is approved by the Irish Tourist Board. There probably will be fireworks but we don't have any information on that yet. You could also head to Funderland, a very popular funfair at the RDS in Ballsbridge, just south of the city centre. As for walking home - Dublin is like any other major city and New Year's Eve is particularly busy. There'll be plenty taxis if you don't fancy walking.

Regards
Editor
  • #39
  • By: herb
  • On: 01/Nov/08
Hi we are coming to Dublin for new years and would like recommendation for a hotel to say at that is central. for new years eve we would like to find a medium size pub (or similiar) to go to where the crowd in mid thirties to early fourties and the music is more traditional IE fiddles, guitar etc live.
  • #40
  • By: Editor
  • On: 03/Nov/08
Thanks for your question Herb, Here's a list of Dublin city centre hotels. They're all Irish Tourist Board approved. Which one you pick depends on what star rating you're after etc. As for a night out, you can't go wrong heading to Temple Bar. There are plenty pubs to choose from here.     Regards Editor
  • #41
  • By: Michael
  • On: 10/Nov/08
unfortunately Dublin CITY doesn't offer any fire works display for New years :( i stayed here last year and the year before that and had not seen any street party like most other european cities.. for a big City it could be great to see a fireworks on display for NewYears ?  unless funderland! lol..
Edinburgh each year & London have a great & biggest shows!!!
maybe some new future Government in Ireland might consider giving Ireland a good Firework show for Newyears each year.. ????
hopefully as i know many who get travel out of here to get a real party,.,, but we don't do late nights here no more!! lol
  • #42
  • By: Matt
  • On: 25/Nov/08
Hi--My girlfriend and I are coming from the states for New Year's Eve and would like to spend it in a more traditional Irish Pub setting than a club (we got those here).  Any recommendations for a good pub with authentic live music and atmosphere?  (We are staying at the Eden Quay apartments.)  We are also looking for a similar dinner location (can be same place).  Thanks for all assistance!
  • #43
  • By: nicola farley
  • On: 30/Nov/08
Me and my friend want to know where the cheapest hotel in Dublin is, also do we need tickets to get in to pubs and clubs? If yes, whats the best way of getting them as we live in Kent, England.
  • #44
  • By: Editor
  • On: 01/Dec/08
Hi Nicola,

Thanks for your comment. As far as we know you won't need tickets to get into pubs and clubs, but they will be very busy though as it's one of the busiest nights of the year on the Dublin social calendar. As for accommodation, you really will need to book your hotel in advance. Take a look at our full list of Dublin hotels, there are some budget hotels included here as well.
  • #45
  • By: Gail Juren
  • On: 20/Sep/09
Same questions for New Year's Eve, 2009!!!!!  Special events, parade?
Thank you so much.......
  • #46
  • By: char
  • On: 23/Oct/09
Hello,

    PLEASE help us!!! My friend and I are hoping to visit Dublin, for the first time, for New Year's Eve and were wondering if there was a street party and if so, how do we go about getting tickets?  Also, where's the best place to stay? We'd like to be in the centre but also be able to sleep when needs be?!!!!!!

    Thank you for your time,

                  Charlotte.
  • #47
  • By: Mary
  • On: 28/Oct/09
We are 7 people coming to Dublin for New Years Eve.  Myself and my husband with our 3 adult children and 2 spouses.  We would like a nice place to go on New Years Eve that is not formal.  We like music and dancing.  My daughter in law teaches Irish Step dancing in the states.  If there is a place you could recommend I would appreciate it.

Thank you

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