Dublin to ring in the new year in style with three-day festival

Dublin is to host a three-day festival to celebrate the ringing in of the new year, it was announced yesterday.

The Government is hoping the event, which was held for the first time last year, will attract thousands of tourists.

A major concert at the 3 Arena is to be the centrepiece of the festival which will also see a procession of light through Dublin city centre and a world record attempt for the largest ever bodhrán session.

Details of the NYF Dublin event were announced yesterday by Transport and Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe.

The Coronas, Fat Boy Slim, and Kila will all perform at the 3 Arena. At least 10,000 people are expected to witness the procession of light which will see some of Dublin’s most famous streets “erupt in a dazzling” light display.

The famous Ruby Sessions will hold a two-night gig in the Smock Alley Theatre with a top-secret line-up.

New Year’s Day will also see the Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive Challenge run in the Phoenix Park as well as the New Year’s Day 10k Kayak Tour taking place.

St Stephen’s Green will also host a street festival which will feature alternative, traditional and party music.

The festival also includes a curated two-day music trail to showcase Dublin as a music city destination.

Fifteen venues across the city will play host to live music from the best new artists Ireland has to offer selected from the Hard Working Class Heroes festival line-up.

“This festival last year attracted 50,000 visitors into our city at a time when our hotels have the capacity to look after these people and give them a great stay in Dublin,” said Mr Donohoe.

He added: “This year it will be a three-day festival. So a huge amount happening and all with a view to getting more people to visit Dublin.

“The range of entertainment and events on offer during the NYF celebrations will entertain visitors and Dubliners alike.”