The turkey’s been demolished, Santa’s been and gone; all that’s left to do now is to raise a toast to the New Year and see out the old one with a smile.
Here’s our pick of the best parties to ring in 2016:
A wild bash in a country manor
Happenings & HomeBeat return to majestic Killyon Manor for ANOTHER NEW YEAR’S EVE 2015. Building on two magical summers at Another Love Story, the dinner and dancing extravaganza ANYE returns to take you and your friends out of the city and wrap you in the warm heart of the misty Irish countryside. A bespoke menu created by Keith Coleman (The Fumbally) will be served before the real fun kicks off with Tongue In Chic, Nova Collective and Dj Hula Hoops in the glittering 18th Century ballroom. Limited tickets (with dinner €130, without dinner €48.50, including bus) available here.
Five star fun on Leeside
The Hayfield Manor Black Tie Gala Event is the fanciest ticket in town, with Champagne reception, seven-course gourmet dinner and dancing into the early hours with the luxury hotel’s resident band. Full details here.
Raise a toast on Stephen’s Green
The Cliff Townhouse will be welcoming dinner guests with a glass of Champagne on December 31, before they sit to sample a specially prepared six course menu by Chef Sean Smith. Expect Dublin Bay Prawns Tempura, venison, halibut and breast of pheasant… and Christmas Pudding served with whiskey jelly. €75 per person. Book here.
Turn your home into party central
Kids staying at Granny’s? Great. Load up the utility room with beer; fill the fridge with white wine; lob a few trays of something fancy into the oven and voilà: you’ve got yourself a New Year’s Eve party! A Spotify playlist will do the hard work for you, but keep an eye on the time and get everyone in one place for the countdown. And don’t forget to invite the neighbours, they’re much less likely to complain about the noise if they’re leading the conga line through your living room.
Make it scenic in Kerry
If it’s wild countryside and fresh air you’re after, you won’t find better value than the Sneem Hotel on the Ring of Kerry this year. Their two-night Festive Celebration includes B&B, a celebration dinner, dancing in Fisher’s Bar and bubbles at midnight. €149 per person sharing, here.
Attend a Shamanic Gathering
Shamanism Ireland will be welcoming 2016 with a number of Shamanic rituals in Navan, including a Sacred Circle for sharing hopes and desires for the coming year, drumming, chanting, dancing, a fireworks display and a chance to attempt a Firewalk. Tickets (€95 including dinner and refreshments) are available here.
Help break a New Year record
As part of the Procession of Light, New Year’s Festival Dublin is inviting musicians of all ages and abilities to help break the record for the World’s Largest Bodhrán Session. The last largest bodhrán ensemble recorded was 980 people. Join the effort at the end of the procession for the free finale event at St Stephens Green. Bodhrán Buzz will be holding workshops in Dublin on December 29 at 7.30pm and December 31 at 2pm so you can get some practice in for the big day! Email Bodhrán Buzz directly (info@thebodhranbuzz.com) to book your place or register here for the main event.
Plan a New Year’s feast
Chef Cedric Bottarlini and Pete Durkin will be creating menu worthy of the New Year at The G Hotel on December 31. The five-course meal at the award-winning Gigi’s includes a night’s entertainment and a glass of fizz for the countdown for a reasonable €85. Book here.
Countdown Concert
The Coronas will lead the Irish charge at the 3Arena on December 31, joined on the bill by the DJ legend Fatboy Slim (aka Norman Cook), Kila, Monaghan troubadour Ryan Sheridan and rising Donegal duo Little Hours. On St Stephen’s Green South (9pm – 12pm), you’ll find a festival atmosphere and live music from a great line-up of bands. Check here for details.
