Dublin’s New Year’s Festival looks set to be extraordinary

Brought to you by Discover Ireland

Prepare to see Dublin city come alive.

In its eighth year, the New Year's Festival Dublin (NYF Dublin) is set to be more spectacular than ever with a series of New Year's Eve events to ring in 2020 in perfect style. After all, you're supposed to start as you mean to go on. This year, four superb events will be hosted among iconic landmarks all within the social hub of Dublin city. You couldn't be in a more central location for these mega festivities if you tried. All the more reason to make a mini-holiday out of it. Taking place across the two days of December 31 and January 1 is: The Liffey Lights Midnight Moment Matinee (6pm to 7.30pm) This free ticketed special family countdown is perfect for all ages. Taking place at Custom House Quay and George's Quay, expect an enchanted evening for all, mighty colourful skies, laser lights and aqua beams dancing in perfect harmony with the music. This is a free event but you'll need to get tickets online Countdown Concert (from 8pm) The year of 2019 was certainly one to remember for the four-piece Irish band Walking On Cars after selling out arenas in Europe and headlining big Irish concerts, they're set to bring their mighty stage presence and sensational rock(ish) music to Custom House for the Countdown Concert. Watch them ring in the new year along with special guests Ash, Aimée and Lisa McHugh, all for €36.90. Tickets for the above over 18s event include entry to the Liffey Lights Midnight Moment and are on sale here Liffey Lights Midnight Moment  This is it! A dazzling 'Solar Symphony' spectacle you'll most definitely want to see! Witness stunning meteoric images of fiery comets, shooting stars and spiralling galaxies hurtle across the walls and buildings of Custom House Quays all to the sound of a newly devised musical score performed live by the orchestra on stage on the River Liffey. Look out for the aqua beams, lasers and Pyrotechnics that will illuminate the midnight sky too. This is a free event. See the entertainments from George's Quay and be there at midnight to ring in the new year New Year's Day Concert (3pm to 8pm) So, by the looks of things, 2020 will be starting with a bang! To continue the celebrations, get to Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, where energetic performances by Kila, and more fantastic Irish musicians like Wyvern Lingo, Brian Deady and Luz will put on a mega show. Plus, there's set to be plenty of pop up street performances to keep little ones entertained too. This is an entirely free event and perfect for all the family  As it's a two-day festival, why not make a mini staycation out of it? Stay at the likes of The Mercantile Hotel on Dame Street with its double, twin, triple and family size rooms at various affordable rates. You'll be nestled right in the centre of all the entertainment and shopping action. Close to the city centre is the four-star Herbert Park Hotel, a luxurious hotel in Ballsbridge neighbourhood, yet all within walking distance of the Aviva Stadium, the RDS and the city centre itself. Be sure to visit the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral — Dublin's oldest building, then hop on a hilarious Dublin Pedal Tour and see the city, cycling to your favourite tunes. Don't miss your chance to visit EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, and winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction 2019. You'll see the impact the Irish and Ireland's history has had all over the world and it really is quite something! Then head for the Pearce Lyons Distillery in the trendy Liberties. Find out more about what you can get up to here. Now, to kickstart 2020! Brought to you by Discover Ireland Keep up to date with the latest news from NYF Dublin on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtag #NYFDublin .