I've heard Dublin is the place to be on New Year's Eve - what is the festival like?

It’s hard to imagine a better place than Dublin to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Dublin was voted one of the top ten friendliest cities in the world by Condé Nast and its readers, and it’s well known that the Irish throw a great party!

Dublin has its own special way to start the new year off with a bang. The New Year’s Eve Festival has become the event to be at on December 31st, with people all over the world visiting for the occasion. Tickets are always high in demand so get in quick to avoid disappointment!

Now in its seventh year, the festival has been host to some incredible acts, including Irish chart toppers Kodaline and Walking on Cars to name but a few. This year the headline acts include Gavin James, Hudson Taylor and Wild Youth.

The festival takes place outside the iconic Custom House overlooking the River Liffey, with the musical guests treating the public to a medley of hits and the all important countdown to 2019! Suitable for all ages, this fun festival is a great way to be with friends and family as 2018 comes to a close. Just remember to wrap up warm!

Alongside the musical acts will be the spectacular Liffey Lights Midnight Moment, when Dublin lights up with colourful fireworks and lasers beams, dancing across the Liffey in perfect harmony to the live show.

With the city lit up for celebrations that last well into the night, there’s always something to do see or do on New Year’s Eve in Dublin. For an elegant atmosphere, why not try the Ballsbridge Hotel? Here you will be treated to a five course dinner and a 1920s themed dancehall to help you celebrate the beginning of 2019! Or if you want to party the night away, head to Fitzsimmons pub in Temple bar, which has five floors so you can dance your way to the new year at the heart of Dublin city.

Do any of our community members have venues to recommend for New Year’s Eve celebrations?

Hi, Ellie.

This is so inspiring! Thanks a lot for your contribution. :) 

I'd love to add a few more events and venues for every age group. The Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo will be lighting up the zoo with giant silk lanterns inspired by ocean wildlife. This shiny event will be open until the 6th of January 2019 and is split in 4 themes: Ocean of Light, Winter Wonderland, The North Pole and Celebration China.

The Liffey Lights Midnight Moment Matinee is another special family friendly countdown event, where colourful aerial and aquatic acrobats will perform on the streets. This event is taking place on New Year’s Eve at the Custom House at 6.30pm.

The fun doesn't stop here!

At the RDS in Dublin there will be Funderland, that is the largest travelling amusement park with several thrilling attractions, and i-Skate, the Ireland’s coolest ice-skating rink.

Located along the beautiful north Dublin coast, the Malahide Castle and Gardens is an amazing place for a family trip outside Dublin. The guided tour includes a visit to the renovated castle owned by the Talbot family for nearly 800 years and the walled garden, home to some of the rarest plants from Chile and Australia.