New Year's Festival Dublin
Visitors can experience a citywide festival bringing together Irish musical talent, street entertainment, and a vibrant holiday atmosphere. Celebrations include concerts at Dublin Castle, traditional music sets at Meeting House Square, and a citywide music trail showcasing up-and-coming artists across diverse genres. Festivities also feature marching bands and street performers during the 'Ignite and Excite' procession through the city centre.
What to Expect
Ireland’s biggest New Year celebration with live music and street spectacles.
Event Details
Ages
Varies by event (Over 18s for Countdown Concert, Family-friendly for Matinee and New Year's Day events)
Neighborhood
City Centre
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Fáilte Ireland
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Live-music fans and families
Vibe
Festive and energetic
Energy Level
High
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book Countdown Concert tickets through Ticketmaster, because it's the separately ticketed show and it's strictly for over-18s.
- Take the DART to Connolly, Pearse or Tara Street, because all three stations are within walking distance of Dublin Castle and the main events.
- Plan to ride a Nitelink bus home after the countdown, because they run into the late hours after the New Year's Eve celebrations.
- Spend 30 December on the free Music Trail to hear up-and-coming Irish acts, from traditional to rock, indie and punk, at venues across the city.
- Wrap up warm on New Year's Day and find a spot in the city centre to watch the marching bands and street performers of the 'Ignite and Excite' Procession.
Special Events & Promotions
- Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle on New Year's Eve, headlined by Aaron Rowe with The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray; separate ticket, strictly over-18s.
- Countdown Concert Matinee at Dublin Castle on 31 December, a special early countdown show.
- Echoes of Ireland Concerts at Dublin Castle on 30 December, no ticket needed.
- Free NYF Dublin Music Trail on 30 December, with live sets at venues across the city.
- 'Ignite and Excite' Procession through the city centre on 1 January, plus free New Year's Day Concerts at Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is playing the Countdown Concert, and can anyone go?
Aaron Rowe headlines at Dublin Castle with The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray. It's a separately ticketed show for over-18s only, and tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.
What is the Music Trail?
On 30 December, up-and-coming Irish musicians play venues across Dublin City, in genres from traditional to rock, indie and punk. It's free and you don't need a ticket.
What are the Echoes of Ireland Concerts?
They open the festival at Dublin Castle on 30 December with Irish musical talent, and you don't need a ticket.
What happens on New Year's Day?
The 'Ignite and Excite' Procession winds through the city centre with music, marching bands and street performers. There are also free concerts, with live music and street performers at Dublin Castle and traditional musicians at Meeting House Square.
What's the easiest way to get in?
Take the DART to Connolly, Pearse or Tara Street, which are all within walking distance of Dublin Castle. Both Luas lines stop near festival venues, and Nitelink buses run late after the countdown.
More Christmas Events Near Dublin
More Christmas Events near Dublin
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.