As 2023 draws to a close, cities and towns across the country are ringing in the new year in style, with concerts, fireworks, or more low-key events.
As we enter 2024, here’s what’s happening across the country.
dublin
This year’s Dublin New Year Festival was held over four days at multiple venues around the capital.
The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks and Dublin Castle are the venues for the festival, and on New Year’s Day the party extends to Meeting House Square in Temple Bar.
Elsewhere, the city is buzzing with club nights, gigs, and parties. There are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself busy on New Year’s Day, like filling your lungs with fresh air or listening to classical music.
The family-friendly celebration at Dublin Castle includes the fun of a midnight countdown, but with an earlier end time.
When it’s time to officially usher in the new year, Picture This will be joined by Moncrief and Lee Hart.
Festival Quarter will run until 12.30am at Collins Barracks, featuring main stage headliners The Scratch and special guests Sharon Shannon and Gemma Dunleavy.
NYF Dublin, Dublin City Castle. Celebrate 2024 with New Year’s Festival Dublin, Ireland’s biggest New Year’s celebration. Photo: Allen Kiely / Fáilte Ireland
galway
City of the Tribes is known for its music and lavish parties. New Year’s Eve is no exception, and there are many events to participate in.
Follow the High Street through the Latin Quarter and soak up the atmosphere of some of Galway’s famous pubs such as Taaffes, Ty Coili, King’s Head and The Quays.
Renowned music venue Róisín Dubh will host the GASS event with entertainment, music and a lively atmosphere from 9pm.
The night begins with not one, but two drag shows.
As the clock nears midnight, the energy builds as Kiki takes the stage at 11:30pm to lead the countdown.
cork
Cork hosts a number of classy New Year’s Eve events that combine music and food.
New Year’s Eve at the Metropole Hotel is sure to be an unforgettable night. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed with a prosecco reception and live entertainment.
Enjoy a four-course New Year’s Eve celebratory meal as MCs provide entertainment throughout the night with spot prizes and novelties.
Dance the night away with live party band Route 66, toast the New Year with a special midnight countdown, and celebrate the start of 2024 with a late-night DJ. Tickets are €85 per person.
The Voodoo Room offers a world of mystery and charm. Party-goers are encouraged to dress glamorously and bring their favorite masks to add an element of intrigue to the evening.
The evening is filled with music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere. Spread over three floors, he’ll have three DJs staffed by talented DJs who will thrill everyone with a mix of chart-topping hits and classic anthems.
cold
Achill, one of Ireland’s most westerly points, will be home to the last European sunset of 2023.
A great viewing platform overlooks Keel Head and Achill Head and is a beautiful place to watch the sun disappear and dusk set in.
Crowds will gather to watch the sunset, which should set shortly before 4:30 p.m.
Still, there’s still plenty of time to celebrate the impending arrival of the new year and new possibilities with a party.
kelly
Watch the New Year’s fireworks display in Dingle, County Kerry.
Festivities begin at 8pm on the pier for ‘Kerry’s best fireworks display’.
A fireworks fundraiser will be held on the pier.
Then you can head into town and ring in the New Year with thousands of other people on Main Street.
A countdown clock will also be projected on the buildings next to the old bridge in the village of Anascor, and everyone will be invited to join in the New Year celebrations.