If you’re looking for a different place to welcome in the new year to your usual haunt, but aren’t sure where to go, I definitely think Dublin should be at the top of your list. The Irish capital is famous for its nightlife, and December 31st 2012 looks to be a fantastic one.
As you might expect, Dublin is very popular at this time of the year, so I’d recommend booking flights, accommodation and car hire now. If you decide to rent a vehicle, you can find some of the best deals here. This will save you having to work out when public transport is running over the seasonal period.
Once all that is done, it’s time to get tickets for one of the city’s biggest nightclubs, or simply decide which pub to relax in. Below is my guide to some of the best.
Doyle’s, 8/9 College Street
Doyle’s is a popular bar that opens every night of the week, and my advice is to come here for your evening meal. Not only is the food fantastic, but it also means you’re well placed to bag a cosy spot for you and your friends – you might decide not to move all night!
Downstairs is where you want to be if you want to enjoy conversation over a few drinks, while the dancefloor upstairs is perfect for showing off your moves. Doyle’s is on College Street, so you are close to the NYE Dublin Countdown Concert at College Green if you’ve booked tickets.
Central Hotel Library Bar
If you want a festive beverage in stunning surroundings, get yourself to the Library Bar at the Central Hotel. Located on Exchequer Street, the bar has certainly proven its worth after taking the Best Hotel Bar title in 2012 at the National Hospitality Awards.
This is the place to come for a nightcap or pre-dinner drinks, or simply if you would prefer to see in 2013 somewhere peaceful and elegant from the comfort of an armchair infront of a fire.
Alchemy Club and Venue
Located on Fleet Street, Alchemy Club and Venue is one of Dublin’s newest nightspots, and you can reserve sections for your group in advance should you want to be guaranteed a place to rest your feet after hitting the dance floor.
This year, the club is hosting the Black & Gold Masquerade Ball, with tickets getting you entry, a reserved space and a glass of the fizzy stuff.
If you want to visit some other events ahead of going to a nightclub, Dublin has a packed itinerary. The NYE Dublin Countdown Concert starts at 20:30 local time and runs all the way through to 01:00, and you can enjoy performances from the likes of Imelda May. Hosted at College Green, there’ll be a 3D projection of a countdown to 2013 projected on to Trinity College.
There’s also The Big Bang fireworks display at St Stephen’s Green at 20:00, which will follow the spectacular People’s Procession of Light. Thousands of people line the streets to watch a torchlight parade through the city centre, and you’re encouraged to bring glowsticks. In fact, you can take them into one of the clubs with you afterwards!
If you live in Dublin, or have holidayed in the city over the festive period before, leave your top tips below as to the best hotspots to visit.