Five reasons to spend New Year's Eve in Dublin

This autumn we took a tour of one of Europe’s finest cities and found some amazing places. You can find out what we discovered in our latest Time Out Guide to Dublin and if you're feeling inspired, there’s still time for you to combine a fabulous city break with your party plans for December 31, because the New Year’s Festival Dublin is not one but THREE days of culture, music and celebrations! Need more reasons to join us for the craic? Here are five…

1. You get the best welcome

After the pre-Christmas rush, you want to make the most of every last drop of your winter break from work and a short, easy flight takes you right to the heart of the festive party action. Dublin is officially one of the top five friendliest cities in the world so you can start enjoying it the minute you arrive.

2. It’s a party from one year to the next

Dublin’s New Year’s Festival is a three-day extravaganza. Things warm up on December 30 with a poetry slam, live performances and the spectacular Luminosity light show (running for all three nights). Festivities continue on New Year’s Eve, with events including the 3Countdown Concert starring Walking on Cars and The Blizzards, and carrying right on into 2017 with New Year’s Day trails and pop-up events.

3. This is 360° celebrating

There are activities, performances and lightshows at landmarks, in the streets and in venues and pop-ups all over the city. The whole of Dublin comes alive, and there’s lots to enjoy for free, so it’s pretty much impossible to miss out, wherever you are, from morning to night.

4. It’s a city, coast and country escape in one

The towns and villages of Dublin Bay are just a short distance away by DART train, so you can mix urban pleasures like shopping and galleries with a breathtakingly beautiful beach walk in Howth, a reviving hike up Killiney Hill, and cosying up for a fireside pint in a traditional pub in Dun Laoghaire.

Tim Bird

5. You’re in for a feast

Post-Christmas, it’s time to swap eating too much with eating really well. There are plenty of great places to eat and drink that put you in the heart of the New Year’s action. From creamy Carlingford oysters at the elegant Fallon & Byrne and French fine dining at Dax, to first class Mex street food at Little Ass Burrito Bar and a perfectly poured pint at James Joyce’s favourite hostelry, Stag’s Head – Dublin is a wonderful destination for discerning foodies.

Three days, one beloved city and one epic party! Find out more here and follow #NYFDublin.