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The Irish in general are known for their great craic, party-loving nature and unrivalled warmth and friendliness. So what better place to celebrate the New Year (arguably the biggest party you'll have all year) than in Dublin, Ireland's infamous capital city? In this blog, we'll give you the rundown on:
- Why you should consider spending New Year 2025 in Dublin
- Unique Irish New Year traditions
- The best NYE events in Dublin for 2025
- Unique ways to spend New Year 2025 in Dublin
So, get ready to kickstart 2025 in this vibrant and unforgettable Irish city.
Why You Should Celebrate New Year 2025 in Dublin
Celebrating New Year in a city like Dublin is an opportunity to infuse your New Year with a different energy. It’s a chance to:
- Embrace Irish traditions
- Celebrate with locals
- Create unforgettable memories with your nearest and dearest
- Experience Dublin’s unique atmosphere
Dublin, with its cosy pubs, rich history, and friendly vibe, is the perfect backdrop for your New Year 2025. Plus, it’s only a short flight from the UK, making it an ideal last-minute New Year holiday.
Essential Info About Celebrating New Year in Dublin 2024
Where to go in Dublin for New Year's Eve?
Temple Bar is the obvious hotspot, buzzing with live music and an electric atmosphere. For something more organised, check out the NYF Dublin Festival—a citywide celebration featuring live performances, cultural events, and the famous Liffey Lights Midnight Moment.
Are there fireworks in Dublin on New Year's Eve?
Yes, fireworks are part of the NYF Dublin Festival, creating a dazzling spectacle over the River Liffey. The Midnight Moment countdown is the highlight, blending lights, music, and pyrotechnics to ring in the New Year in style.
Where to eat on New Year's Eve in Dublin?
If you're wanting to treat yourself to an slap-up meal before the party starts head to Chapter One for Michelin-starred Irish cuisine or The Winding Stair for a cosier Irish vibe with locally sourced dishes.
What's open on New Year's Day in Dublin?
Dublin doesn’t slow down much after the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Shops, cafés, and attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Zoo often open later in the day. Pubs and restaurants tend to follow suit, making it easy to nurse that hangover with a traditional Irish breakfast or a scenic walk along the Liffey.
Unique Irish New Year Traditions
Ireland has its own set of unique NYE traditions that make New Year’s Eve even more special. Here are some unique Irish traditions you might come across:
- A fun Irish tradition where the first person to enter a home after midnight is said to bring luck for the year ahead. Usually, this 'first footer' brings gifts like bread, coal, or whisky.
- Once the clock hits midnight, you'll hear everyone belting Auld Lang Syne, the classic song by the Scottish poet Robbie Burns.
- As the clock strikes midnight, churches and cathedrals across Dublin ring their bells, marking the start of the new year.
- Similar to the Dutch tradition, many brave souls in Dublin take a cold dip into the sea to welcome the new year.
- Certainly one of the more unique Irish traditions for New Year, is banging bread on the walls and the doors of your home which is said to warn off spirits. We're sure your neighbours will love it!
- Another age-old Irish New Year tradition involves placing coal around the home which is said to represent opportunity and potential.
The Best NYE Events in Dublin 2025
1. New Year’s Festival
Date: 30th December - January 1st 2025
Time: 6 pm - 1 am
Location: All over the city
Dublin's biggest New Year event is the New Year's Festival 2025 which runs for over 4 days all over the city in iconic venues like:
- Dublin Castle
- The Guinness Storehouse
- EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum
- The Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin
It's a family-friendly NYE event in Dublin that has tons of live music, comedy performances, street food and light shows. Certain events are ticketed so make sure you book far in advance to secure your spot but the majority are completely free! Following a whole host of amazing performances from the likes of Cian Ducrot, Lisdoonvarna Crew and Aby Coulibaly, at midnight you can enjoy a world-class fireworks display.
2. New Year's Eve Party at Rascals Brewing Company
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 8 pm until late
Location: Rascals HQ
Looking for a more laid-back but lively NYE in Dublin? Head to Rascals Brewing Company in Inchicore for a New Year's Eve filled with good beer, great tunes, and a great atmosphere. Loved year-round by beer-loving tourists and locals, at New Year in Dublin it transforms into one of the best NYE events in Dublin. For just €13.50, you'll get:
- A pint of any Rascals core beer
- Antipasti to share
- A glass of prosecco to toast at midnight
The party kicks off with DJ Paula Lahiff spinning upbeat disco, funk, and soul from 8:30pm, followed by Joe Donnelly bringing indie disco bangers and 90s hits into the early hours.
3. The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Firework Display
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 8 pm until 1 am
Location: Dún Laoghaire
An obvious but nonetheless fun way to ring in 2025 is by watching the fireworks at Dún Laoghaire. The event is completely free and you can bring the kids along too to hear music play as you watch the light show.
4. An Elegant Affair - New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 8 pm until late
Location: Hyde Dublin
For a glamorous New Year's Eve, An Elegant Affair at Hyde Dublin is the perfect choice. Expect an evening of sophistication, dancing, and celebration with stunning rooftop views of the city. Your ticket includes:
- A glass of sparkling wine on arrival
- Access to the rooftop party with live DJs
- Live music
- Canapés
Dress to impress and dance the night away as you countdown to midnight with another glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.
5. The Santana Experience (Feat. Mr. Castle) – Live at The Purty Kitchen
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 8 pm
Location: The Purty Kitchen, Dún Laoghaire
Love live music? Experience the magic of Santana at The Purty Kitchen with the incredible Santana Experience, fronted by Venezuelan guitar maestro Mr. Castle. With a two-hour show featuring a full brass section and Latin percussion, expect to hear hits like Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va in an Afro-Latin-rock fusion that will electrify your New Year in Dublin 2025. Special guests will be announced, so stay tuned for more surprises!
6. New Year’s Eve Salsa Party
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 8 pm – 1 am
Location: Teachers Club, Parnell Square West
If you're a fan of dancing, the New Year’s Eve Salsa Party is the NYE 2025 event for you! Join fellow Salseras and Salseros for an evening of:
- Salsa
- Mambo
- Bachata
- Merengue
Whether you're an experienced dancer or a beginner, this lively New Year's event in Dublin offers an energetic atmosphere to enjoy new and classic tunes, all for just €10 (cash only). Dress to impress and dance your way into 2025!
7. PROFILE NYE White Party
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 8 pm until late
Location: Soho Bars, Dublin
If you're seeking a chic and stylish way to usher in the New Year, the PROFILE NYE White Party is just the ticket. Hosted at the trendy Soho Bars, this event invites you to don your best white clothes and dance the night away. With three international DJs—Anto Briones, Bruno De Leon, and Zambianco—spinning house and club classics, you're guaranteed a glamorous start to 2025.
8. The Daft Punk Experience
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 8 pm
Location: The Lighthouse, Dún Laoghaire
Get ready to party like it's the 90s with The Daft Punk Experience, a live tribute show that celebrates the iconic French electronic duo. Taking place at The Lighthouse in Dún Laoghaire, this show is sure to please Daft Punk fans and anyone looking to groove to classic tracks like One More Time, Around the World, and Get Lucky. Special guest DJs, The Parish DJs, will be on hand to keep the energy up all night long.
9. New Year's Eve Party at Temple Bar
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 7 pm
Location: Fitzsimons Temple Bar
Join locals and tourists as you ring in 2025 at Fitzsimons Temple Bar. Sprawled over 5 floors you'll find a rooftop garden, 4 lively bars and 2 dance floors - plenty to keep you and your group entertained. Buy an early bird ticket to get a free glass of Prosecco on arrival.
Unique Ways to Spend New Year in Dublin 2025
If you're not really into New Year's Eve parties and are looking for something a little different, here are some unique ways to celebrate New Year 2025 in Dublin:
1. Midnight Kayaking on the River Liffey
For an unforgettable experience, why not try midnight kayaking on the River Liffey? Paddle through the city’s illuminated bridges as the fireworks light up the sky.
2. Attend a Free Concert at Dublin Castle
Providing you're not too hungover from the night before, you can enjoy a free concert at Dublin Castle from 1-5 pm on January 1st. What better to start the New Year 2025 in Dublin than by listening to the angelic voices of:
- Jerry Fish
- The Dublin Gospel Choir
- Code of Behaviour
- New Brass Kings
3. Walk the Howth Head Cliffs
If you're after a peaceful New Year’s Eve or need to shake off the celebrations, a walk along the Howth Head Cliffs is the perfect escape. Just a short trip from the city, these cliffs offer breathtaking views of the coastline and Dublin Bay. Fresh sea air, dramatic scenery, and rugged trails make it a great way to reset and recharge for 2025!
6. The Little Museum of Dublin
For a quieter, yet fascinating start to the New Year in Dublin, check out the Little Museum of Dublin. Their 29-minute guided tours are packed with quirky stories and local charm. From Queen Victoria’s visit to U2’s rise to fame, it’s a fun dive into Dublin’s history. The pop-up museum is small, so booking ahead is a must. Perfect for families or a rainy New Year’s Day.
7. Kilmainham Gaol
Want something more reflective? Kilmainham Gaol offers a powerful look into Ireland’s past. This former prison housed key figures from the 1916 Rising, making it a thought-provoking way to begin the year. Pre-booking is essential as on New Year, they give out free tours.
Will You Spend NYE in Dublin 2025?
Closing our list of the best ways to spend NYE in Dublin, we hope we've inspired you to visit this incredible Irish city. With enough NYE activities to cater to the party animals and the quieter types, you'll easily be able to find something to cater to your New Year needs whether it's partying at the Dublin New Year Festival or going on a wholesome cliff walk.
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