Traveling over the holidays can be a great way to experience cultural celebrations, as well as a way to take advantage of smaller crowds. Ireland is a popular destination for many people who want to experience the religious and secular history of the region around the holidays. However, Ireland also knows how to celebrate, so particularly for those who like a good party, New Year’s can be the best time to visit Ireland.
Despite the weather, winter can also be enchanting time to visit Ireland for those who like quiet. From the cities to the countryside there are unique options for travelers of all kinds.
Dublin
Like any metropolitan center, Dublin always has a range of activities for travelers and locals on New Year’s Eve. Typically, these celebrations span over a few days, and the city rings in the new year in style with fireworks, musical acts, and various forms of entertainment for people of all ages.
As the sun sets the city is home to the Procession of Light, an annual parade that draws thousands as people with lanterns descend throughout the city. Families in particular often enjoy this experience after the to-do of the holidays. Of course, the city’s pubs and clubs will continue to celebrate throughout the night.
Galway
Galway is perhaps the epicenter of Ireland’s New Year’s parties, as it is known throughout the world for its year-round festive atmosphere. The city’s Spanish Quarter is home to a number of pubs that celebrate the special occasion, and there are also quite a few clubs for those looking to dance.
Galway is also home to some of Ireland’s most legendary hotels, which host their own events for New Year’s. This can be a great option for couples looking for more intimate gatherings, and there are options ranging from affordable and small to luxury and grand.
Portmagee
For those looking for a tradition-rich New Year’s Eve, heading to the south of Ireland can be a great way to experience unique events. Portmagee has a 150-year-old tradition – The Old Year – which includes a parade of characters throughout the town. A piper leads the event, and the “Old Year” is represented through a character in the shape of a man who slowly becomes older as the night progresses. At midnight he is replaced by a young man, symbolizing the beginning of the new year. This can be a fascinating event for people of all ages to partake in.
Achill
Achill is one of the last places in Europe to celebrate the New Year, due to its longitude. To celebrate, the town is always home to a number of New Year’s events that attract travelers from all over the world, looking for one final glimpse of the outgoing year.
One of the town’s traditions include a parade and pipe bands that play throughout the night, starting when the clock strikes twelve. Even better, on New Year’s morning, the town has a traditional swim in the Atlantic, another event that attracts brave travelers and hundreds of spectators.
