Living overseas has afforded my husband, children, and I many opportunities to travel and experience different cultures. As we’ve begun to plan our New Year’s Eve festivities, our eyes have turned to Dublin, Ireland. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from our home in England, the festivities that fill Dublin in celebration of the New Year are a wonderful opportunity for travelers and locals alike. If you are considering spending New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Dublin this year, you won’t want to miss these events!
A Classical New Year’s Eve in Dublin: RTE New Year’s Eve Gala Concert 2007
The RTE New Year’s Eve Gala Concert takes place in the National Concert Hall. The evening, filled with classical music by the RTE Concert Orchestra, begins at 9:45 PM and is a wonderful option for adults looking for a relaxing and classic evening to ring in the new year. Tickets will cost between 35-65 Euros per person, and a pre-concert will begin in the front hall for ticket holders at 8:15 PM.
A Festive New Year’s Eve in Dublin: The Bells of Christ Church Cathedral
Similar to the New Year’s Eve parties that many Americans are familiar with in New York City, masses of people will gather outside of Christ Church Cathedral
A Family Friendly New Year’s Eve in Dublin: Pantomimes, Hotel Celebrations, and a Parade
It can be difficult to locate evening activities for children on New Year’s Eve in Dublin, as children are not allowed in pubs after 9 PM. However, there are other options for ringing in the New Year with the whole family. Consider seeing a pantomime such as Beauty and the Beast or Snow White on December 31st in Dublin. Tickets can range from 10-35 Euros depending on the show and the time. Then, consider staying at a hotel near Christ Church Cathedral so you can see the hoards of people below and hear the ringing of the bells at midnight. Follow the family friendly celebrations up the next day by enjoying The Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Day Parade.
A Traditional Pub New Year’s Eve in Dublin: The Merry Ploughboy
The Merry Ploughboy is a traditional Irish pub that boasts traditional Irish music and dancing to ring in the New Year! At 55 Euros per person, the evening includes a banquet, background music during dinner, and then lively dance music and Irish dancing. Early booking is essential. Dinner begins at 7 PM, with entertainment in full swing by 9 PM and lasting until the New Year. Enjoy the history of Dublin in this 200 year old pub, located just outside of the Dublin city centre.
There are a wealth of activities to suit your style as you ring in the New Year and the arrival of 2008 in Dublin, Ireland. Don’t delay and book your holiday today! in Dublin to hear the bells in the tower toll at midnight, ringing in the 2008! Large crowds traditional gather in this area, so it’s the perfect place for a festive celebration for adults and friends. Arrive early if you hope to have a big enough spot to move around in. A few lucky individuals might be able to squeeze inside the church or bell tower, but if that’s your goal, plan on spending most of the day in the area! There’s no cost for this activity.
