What to do on New Year’s Eve in Dublin

There’s no better place than Dublin when you’re looking for a rousing way to ring in the New Year. There’s always plenty going on, with a host of events and celebrations that will make it a night to remember. Whether you’re looking for a lively street party, a concert-filled night, or a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, Dublin is the city with something for everyone.

New Year’s Festival

One of the biggest and most popular New Year’s events in Dublin is the New Year’s Festival. Taking place over several days and in several venues including Dublin Castle, this entertainment extravaganza is practically city-wide and guarantees fun for all the family. There is always a great atmosphere and is a brilliant way to experience a proper Irish celebration with some of Ireland’s most talented performers.

Visit Temple BaR

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Temple Bar if you’re looking to bring in the New Year with some traditional Irish music, good food, and lively company. You’ll find the party spills out into the streets, with revellers ready for anything and determined to party. When you like your New Year loud and lively, Temple Bar is a grand place to be, with many venues and pubs putting on their special celebrations. Stick with one, or tour around for a taste of many.

Parties Galore

Whether you prefer a DJ to entertain you or you want to dance the night away to live music, whether you want lavish surroundings and a 4-course meal or you prefer a quick bite in the local pub, New Year’s Eve in Dublin is all about the party. Shindigs are going on all over Dublin in pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Symphonies and Orchestral

If you like your celebrations to have more of a cultured ring, try attending one of the events at the National Concert Hall. For 2023, you can embrace the roaring twenties on New Year’s Eve with Gatsby and Beyond, a jazz extravaganza designed to evoke everything wild about the 1920s. For this one, dressing the part is encouraged. Alternatively, save the celebrations until New Year’s Day, then step into a world of opera and operetta. 

More to Do on New Year’s Day

After the excitement of New Year’s Eve, it’s time to take it easy and enjoy some of the quieter attractions that Dublin has to offer. Things may have quietened down a bit after the revelries of the New Year parties, but there’s still plenty to do in Dublin to get the new year off to a good start. You could:

• Relax in St. Stephen’s Green and enjoy a stroll through this picturesque park.
• Indulge in a traditional full Irish breakfast of bacon rashers, sausages, eggs, and soda bread. You could also add potatoes or hash browns, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms or black pudding, all washed down with a good pot of tea.
• Take a stroll along the River Liffey, or head out the sea for a walk along the cliffs at Howth Head.
• Catch a traditional Irish music session and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a local pub.
• Wander through the Temple Bar district and admire the Christmas lights.
• For 2023/24, visit Dublin Castle for a free afternoon concert.
• Visit a museum or gallery, many are open on New Year’s Day.

Themes and events change from year to year, so it’s best to check if you’re after something specific. But whatever you do to celebrate, you’ll have a wonderful time in Dublin and we wish you the very best of a Happy New Year!