Ireland is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve, with countless cities and towns holding parties and hosting parades to mark the day. From street parties in Dublin to fireworks in Dingle, there’s sure to be something for everyone across the country.
The festivities began early in the morning in the capital, with the four-day festival beginning on Friday. This year his three different locations in Dublin will be participating: the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin Castle and Assembly Square.
This year, many of Ireland’s top artists will be performing across the venue, including Moncrief, Lee Hart, Sharon Shannon and the High Kings. The main event is scheduled for Sunday at Dublin Castle, where Picture This will play a sold-out show to usher in the new year.
Galway also attracts large crowds on December 31st every year. Be sure to get to popular spots like Taafes and Tai Koiri early. Countless traditional music sessions are held there. Front Door, Busker Brown’s and The Keys also fill up in the afternoon.
Galway City Council has announced a new program of family-friendly street music events around the city center for children this year. Head to St. Nicholas Church, William Street, Cross Street, on Sunday from 6pm to 9pm, and there will be an early countdown at the church at the end of the evening.
Dingle is a New Year’s favorite for Irish locals. This iconic town hosts an impressive fireworks display each New Year’s Eve, making it one of the most popular locations at this time of year. Authentic Irish pubs like Foxy John’s and Dick’s Mac’s open early for the event, with people pouring into the streets from 10pm to watch the fireworks from the harbour.
The Dingle Fife Drum Band usually parades around the town late at night and by midnight everyone is out again doing a countdown together.
For an even more intimate experience, head to Achill Island, where the sun will set for the last time in Europe in 2023. On New Year’s Eve, crowds gather at observation decks such as Keel Head and Achill Head to watch the sunset, then enjoy dinner and drinks around the island.
At midnight, pipe bands are played around Dua, Porag, Kiel and Dukinera. Some of them will march to St. Patrick’s Church in Polar. For those with a headache, the annual New Year’s Day Swim will be held at the Silver Strand on Monday from 1pm.
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