Looking for somewhere special to ring in the New Year? Then head for the charming fishing town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry. Here, they really know how to ring in the New Year! With its street festival style celebrations, fireworks and unbeatable atmosphere there really is nowhere better to ring in 2010!
Dingle town is located on the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Ireland and has been referred to as ‘one of the most beautiful places on earth’ by National Geographic. Dingle is a fantastic winter destination with its winter walks and famous Wren Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The count down to 2010 will begin at 10pm on New Year’s Eve - Thursday 31st December. Like last year, spectators will gather in their thousands to watch the skies light up with an amazing light show. As midnight approaches, a large digital clock will be projected onto the face of a building near Mall Bridge so that everyone can participate in the countdown to 2010. After the clock strikes midnight the Dingle Fife and Drum Band will march through the streets.
Dingle is a great place if you want to party you’re way into 2010. It’s got lots of restaurants and a whole range of pubs whether you prefer a traditional Irish pub, a disco bar or a live music bar and all will have their own countdown to midnight. The town also has a nightclub called the Hillgrove and it’s located at the edge of the town.
Get 2010 off to a fun start and head for the annual ‘Duck Race’ on the River Mall on New Year’s Day. Then in the afternoon there will be a two-time polka session in O’Flatherty’s Bar which is always a big attraction. New Year’s celebrations will continue throughout the day and into the night.
Of course, there’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful corner of Ireland. Dingle is the quintessential Irish town steeped in culture, heritage and tradition. The colourful town is famous for its resident dolphin (Fungie), it’s award winning seafood restaurants, its quirky Irish arts and craft shops, and its lively traditional style pubs where Irish music can be heard and Guinness enjoyed.
Take the road beyond the town heading for Ventry and do the beautiful Slea Head Drive. The awe inspiring scenery and cool fresh air blowing in from the Atlantic is sure to sweep those New Year’s Eve cobwebs away! Discover some of Ireland’s top historic attractions like Gallurus Oratory, the Ogham Stones, Dunbeg Fort and the Blasket Islands off the coast.
New Years Eve is a very busy time in Dingle and accommodation is in huge demand. If you have not booked your accommodation already, then check out our Dingle Accommodation page, there is still some left …but hurry!
Have you been to the New Year’s Eve festivities in Dingle? We would love to know what you thought of it! Do let us know where you’re heading this New Year’s Eve to ring in 2010… leave a comment in the box below.
