5 reasons to celebrate New Year's Eve in Dublin

Come and join us in Dublin for three fun-filled days of New Year’s Eve music and celebrations! Against the backdrop of Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, excited revellers will come together to ring in the New Year and fireworks will light up the skies above the coastal villages of Howth and Dún Laoghaire.

And of course, no New Year's Eve event is complete without music! From December 30 to January 1, visitors can enjoy free concerts at Dublin Castle along with a free citywide music trail. On New Year’s Eve, a thrilling street procession takes place, complete with music, street performers and bands. The Countdown Concert returns with some of the hottest music acts from Ireland and around the world, counting down to the big moment.

Between all those festivities, you’re going to work up quite an appetite. Dublin’s finest eateries mix the best of edgy, contemporary dining with homespun, traditional fare. Try L. Mulligan. Grocer, where hearty soups are served up beside cutting-edge main courses.

Need a snack on the go? Try the Temple Bar Food Market – a foodie paradise situated in the heart of the city's Cultural Quarter. And there's plenty of street food on offer at the new Festival Village – right in the middle of the New Year's Festival action. So you can dive right back in when you've had your fill.

In between all the festivities, leave some time to explore Dublin’s cultural curiosities. Trinity College houses the Book of Kells, a stunning manuscript of unbelievable intricacy. Enjoy the interactive exhibitions at EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin's Docklands, and discover stories of how Irish emigrants shaped the world.

Check out the 360-degree views from the top of the Guinness Storehouse, before visiting one of the city's wonderful national museums (entry is free)! And, of course, don't miss out on the quirky exhibits at the Little Museum of Dublin.

Dublin is one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the world: fact. The locals of Dublin will welcome you with open arms, ready to grab a coffee or a pint or just have a chat with you about their favourite places. But don’t take our word for it – Dublin has twice been voted as the friendliest city in Europe by Tripadvisor. As one reviewer put it: “Dublin is well worth a visit – the locals were so warm and friendly and made me so welcome.”

During the festival, make even more friends while you pause for thought and dream up some resolutions, clap along with some incredible street performers, be wowed by the music or simply hang out!

After you've danced the night away at the New Year's Eve festivities, you have dozens of options on what to do next. Stretch your legs on a Fab Food Trail, test your nerve with the Skyline Tour atop Croke Park, or head out to the towns and villages sandwiched between the mountains and sea...

Hop on a DART (train) to Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire, Malahide or Howth and simply breathe in that fresh sea air, chill out in cute cafés or restaurants, or explore the heritage of these pretty spots. Finish your day with a trip back to the city for a chilled-out tour of Christ Church Cathedral or one of the city's many galleries. Absolute bliss.