Three days of festivities and an electrifying line-up of live entertainment promise an unforgettable New Year experience.
Ireland’s biggest New Year celebration, NYF Dublin, runs from 30 December 2025 – 1 January 2026 and features a packed programme of spectacle, music, and events to suit all ages.
For three days the city becomes a stage for fabulous entertainers, and the skies sparkle with dazzling light shows and fireworks.
The festival bursts into life on 30 December with the free Echoes of Ireland concert presenting top Irish folk artists in song at Dublin Castle, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. The vibrant Music Trail also gets underway across the city showcasing an eclectic mix of live performances across multiple genres from Ireland’s up-and-coming musicians and DJs.
On the big day itself (31 December), the celebrations begin with the lively Ignite and Excite Procession through the city. Featuring marching bands, costumed characters and vibrant lights, it ramps up the excitement as the New Year approaches.
In the early evening, Dublin Bay will light up as two dazzling fireworks displays – at Howth to the north and Dún Laoghaire Harbour to the south – simultaneously launch their choreographed pyrotechnics set to music.
And as 2025 begins to slip away, Dublin Castle will host two great countdown concerts. For younger festival goers, the family-friendly Countdown Concert Matinee presents a stellar line-up of bands headlined by BIIRD, the all-female trad supergroup. As the end of 2025 approaches, critically acclaimed band Inhaler takes to the stage to provide the party atmosphere in the build-up to the midnight countdown.
But the party doesn’t end there. New Year’s Day will see another afternoon of free performances at Dublin Castle with the Family Day & Concert. Street entertainment, music and fun activities will provide a joyous start to 2026. And simultaneously, a Traditional Music Concert will take place in historic Meeting House Square, featuring top Irish musicians performing a programme of spirited music to welcome the New Year.
With excellent public transport that will take you easily from city centre to coastal events, and streets buzzing with energy, Dublin offers an unparalleled New Year experience.
While NYF Dublin is one of the highlights of the city’s winter culture and live entertainment offering, the season also includes wonderful literary festivals, big name arena concerts and great theatrical experiences. Add to that the welcoming atmosphere, cosy pubs, excellent restaurants and fascinating museums and you’ll find a city that is an irresistible winter break destination.
