How cities and towns across Ireland are ringing in the New Year
Kenneth Fox
With 2023 coming to an end, cities and towns across the country are ringing in the new year in style whether it is with a concert and fireworks or something more low-key.
Here is what is happening across the country as we welcome in 2024.
Dublin
This year, Dublin New Year's Festival has gone big across four days and in multiple venues around the capital.
The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks and Dublin Castle are festival ground zero, while 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's also plenty to keep you occupied on New Year’s Day, whether you want to fill your lungs with fresh air or take in some classical music.
A family-friendly celebration at Dublin Castle has all the fun of the midnight countdown, but with an earlier finishing time.
When it’s time to see the New Year in for real, Picture This will be ed by Moncrieff and Lea Hart.
Over at Collins Barracks the Festival Quarter runs until 12.30am, with main stage headliners The Scratch with special guests Sharon Shannon and Gemma Dunleavy.
Galway
The City of the Tribes is known for hosting great parties with music and craic galore. New Year's Eve is no different with plenty of events to attend.
Work your way along High Street and through the Latin Quarter to sample the atmosphere in famed Galway pubs such as Taaffes, Tígh Coilí, The Kings Head and The Quays.
Renowned music venue Róisín Dubh will be hosting its GASS event from 9pm with entertainment, music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The night kicks off with not one but two drag shows.
As the clock inches closer to midnight, the energy ramps up with Kiki, who will take the stage at 11:30pm to lead the countdown.
Cork
Cork offers a host of classy New Year's Eve events with a great mix of music and cuisine.
New Year’s Eve at The Metropole Hotel is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening. Guests will be welcomed warmly on arrival with a prosecco reception and live entertainment.
Enjoy a four-course New Year’s Eve festive meal as the MC provides entertainment throughout the evening with a selection of 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 Rooms offers a world of mystery and allure. Party-goers are encouraged to wear glamorous attire and bring their favourite mask to add an element of intrigue to the evening.
The night will be filled with music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere. With three DJs over three floors, the talented DJs will keep everyone on their feet with a mix of chart-topping hits and classic anthems.
Achill
As one of Ireland’s most westerly points, Achill is where you can watch the sunset on Europe for the very last time in 2023.
A stunning observation point overlooks Keel and Achill Head, and is a beautiful spot to watch the sun disappear and dusk arrive.
Crowds flock to see the sunset, which should happen shortly before 4.30pm.
That still leaves plenty of time for partying and celebrating the imminent arrival of a new year and new possibilities.
Kerry
Watch the New Year's fireworks display in Dingle, Co Kerry.
Festivities begin at the pier at 8pm for "the best fireworks display in Kerry."
A collection will be taking place at the pier to raise funds for the fireworks.
You can then make your way into town and ring in the New Year with thousands of people on Main Street.
A countdown clock is also projected onto a building by the old bridge in Annascaul Village, where everyone is invited to in the New Year Celebrations.
