New Year’s Festival Dublin – has unveiled the line up for the Countdown Concert Matinee

New Year’s Festival Dublin has unveiled the line up for the Countdown Concert Matinee, taking place at the Dublin Castle on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy live performances from The Academic, with special guests THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray Friends of all ages can also enjoy a magical midnight moment together at a very special earlier countdown event. 

Revered for their dynamic live shows, The Academic’s infectious blend of buoyant guitar hooks and poignant lyrics about teenage escapades has resonated far beyond their origins. Grounded in a commitment to authenticity and inspired by classic influences like The Kinks, Talking Heads, and The Velvet Underground, the band has built a deep, genuine connection with fans while commanding stages across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

They will be joined by special guests THEATRE, one of Ireland’s most unique rising talents, who weave an intricate blend of gothic, ethereal rock, folk, and shoegaze; KK Lewis, a Dublin singer-songwriter blending soul, R&B, and pop who stands as one of Ireland’s most exciting artists to watch; and DJ Shelly Gray who will be playing all the hits!

Ticket Details – Countdown Concert Matinee

Tickets go on sale Wednesday 14 October at 10am

*Family ticket priced €24.90 (2 adults, 2 children) with single tickets priced €9.90.

Additional Ticketmaster charges will apply. Subject to 12.5% Ticketmaster service charge per ticket (max €10.50).  Under 16’s accompanied by an adult. 

Event subject to licence.

New Year’s Festival Dublin recently announced Aaron Rowe as the headliner for the Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle this year. He will be joined by special guests The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray. Early bird tickets priced €44.90 on sale now from Ticketmaster.

Ireland’s biggest New Year celebration is back. New Year’s Festival Dublin returns to ring in 2027 with a highly anticipated three-day programme, promising a host of spectacular citywide festivities. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in association with the Office of Public Works, the festival will run from December 30, 2026, through January 1, 2027 (subject to license).

Iconic Dublin venues Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square will host a thrilling lineup of events.  

Prepare to be captivated by the Echoes of Ireland Concerts, feel the excitement of the Countdown Concert and the amazing Midnight Moment celebration, enjoy the special early Countdown Concert Matinee, explore the city and discover new music with the NYF Dublin Music Trail, experience the city enchanted at the NYF Dublin Procession and continue your celebrations with the New Year’s Day Concerts. 

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the city comes alive with music, entertainment, and a truly magical atmosphere. Bringing together Ireland’s best talents, the festival offers a host of events guaranteed to entertain.

Programme of Events

Echoes of Ireland Concerts (December 30): Kick off your New Year’s celebrations with the Echoes of Ireland Concerts, a vibrant event featuring the very best of Irish musical talent at Dublin Castle.
NYF Dublin Music Trail (December 30): Discover an eclectic mix of live performances from Ireland’s up-and-coming musicians across various venues in Dublin City. Explore a wide range of genres, from traditional to rock, indie, and punk.
Countdown Concert Matinee (December 31): Join friends in Dublin Castle for a very special early ‘midnight moment’ countdown spectacle as The Academic andspecial guests THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray are all set to perform. 
Countdown Concert (December 31): Ring in 2027 at the historic Dublin Castle with Aaron Rowe and special guests The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray. The Countdown Concert delivers an electrifying lineup of music, culminating in the iconic Midnight Moment -a dazzling spectacle to officially welcome the New Year.
NYF Dublin ‘Ignite and Excite’ Procession (January 1): Experience the city enchanted as the stunning NYF Dublin Procession will weave its way through the streets of Dublin – with music, marching bands, award winning street performers and a touch of New Year magic! 
New Year’s Day Concerts (January 1): Continue the celebrations with free events at Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square, featuring live music, street performers and more at Dublin Castle, along with a line up of traditional musicians at Meeting House Square.

Further details on the full programme and ticket information for specific events will be announced soon.

Book your New Year trip to Dublin and join the celebrations.

NYF Dublin is part of the Winter in Dublin Programme, an initiative of Fáilte Ireland. 

Produced and Promoted by MCD Productions.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and get ready to create lasting memories at New Year’s Festival Dublin.

For more information and to keep up to date with news, events, and ticket details, please visit www.NYFDublin.com and www.visitdublin.com.