Gig News

New Year’s Festival Dublin – Unveils Full Programme, Dublin City Will Come Alive with Music

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 runs from 30 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 (subject to licence).

Today, New Year’s Festival Dublin officially launched its exciting programme of events at Dublin Castle with Aaron Rowe, Sharon Shannon and KK Lewis who will all perform as part of the festival.

Dublin City is the place to be as it comes alive with music for New Year’s Festival Dublin. A host of musicians will perform at iconic locations, including Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square, as well as across various venues throughout the city as part of the Guinness NYF Music Trail.

Prepare to be captivated by the Echoes of Ireland Concerts featuring Jamie McIntyre, Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, Sorcha Richardson, and RuntheRed. Feel the excitement of the Countdown Concert with Aaron Rowe and special guests The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis, and DJ Shelly Gray, culminating in the amazing Midnight Moment celebration. Enjoy the special early Countdown Concert Matinee featuring The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis, and DJ Shelly Gray. Explore the city and discover new music at the NYF Guinness Music Trail with very special guest headliner The Scratch plus KhakiKid, BABYRAT and more! Experience the city enchanted at the NYF Dublin Procession, and continue your celebrations with the New Year’s Day Concerts featuring Sharon Shannon’s Big Band with Jerry Fish, Camille O’Sullivan, Grainne Duffy, and The Frank and Walters at Dublin Castle, as well as Absolute Lilt, Conleth Mc Geary, Heron Red, and the Shamrock Showband.

Director of Tourism Competitiveness and Sustainability at Fáilte Ireland, Orla Carroll said:

 “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to announce the full programme of events for New Year’s Festival Dublin, showcasing the very best of Ireland’s culture, live music and entertainment. With Aaron Rowe headlining the Countdown Concert and The Academic leading the Midnight Matinee, alongside an exciting line-up of artists and events taking place across the city, this year’s festival promises to be a fantastic celebration for the whole family to enjoy.

As a flagship event within Fáilte Ireland’s Winter in Dublin programme, New Year’s Festival Dublin plays an important role in attracting domestic and international visitors during the shoulder season, supporting local businesses and communities while showcasing the vibrant cultural experiences on offer across the city. Working with our partners in the Office of Public Works, we look forward to delivering an exciting three-day festival and welcoming visitors to Dublin to celebrate the New Year.”

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin “Boxer” Moran stated: “The New Year’s Festival Dublin programme showcases the creativity, energy and atmosphere that make Dublin such a special place to welcome in the New Year. The OPW is delighted to see the return of this festival for 2026/ 2027. With performances from some of Ireland’s most exciting artists, this three day festival will light up the city and offer an unforgettable welcome to 2027 for residents and visitors alike”.

On 30 December, kick start your New Year celebrations at Echoes of Ireland in Dublin Castle with 4 concerts showcasing the best of Ireland featuring Jamie McIntyre, Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, Sorcha Richardson and RuntheRed. (Free, non-ticketed event)

Join the Guinness NYF Music Trail and enjoy an eclectic mix of live performances from Ireland’s up-and-coming musicians. The Guinness NYF Music Trail headline show will take place at The Academy with very special guest headliner The Scratch plus KhakiKid, BABYRAT and more! (Free, ticketed event). This is a FREE event but tickets will need to be booked in advance via Universe.com, available from this Thursday at 10am.

Multiple artists will perform across Dublin City including Alex Gough, April Cleary, Avenue 68, Bruising Shins, Bucket, Bullpen, CARRON, Cell Games, Ciúnas, Cruel Sister, Dan Elliott, d_abdu, Fionn Boland, For Nina, GOMiE, Kapayja, Kit James, Lauren Wallace, Lucie Azconaga and Éanna Harrington, Mirrors, Mise, New Enemy, Paahto and The Bull, Paddy Keyes, Seán Collins, Taylor Byrne, Tessio, The Well Below and Tristan Rene across a host of venues including Fibbers Basement, Little Whelan’s, Lost Lane, O’Donoghue’s, The Grand Social, The Grand Social Ballroom, The Sound House, Walsh’s, Whelan’s Upstairs, The Workman’s Club. (Free, non-ticketed event) 

On 31 December, Join friends in Dublin Castle for a very special early ‘midnight moment’ countdown spectacle as The Academic and special guests THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray will be all set to perform. (Ticketed event. On sale now from Ticketmaster.ie)

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. (Ticketed, over 18s event. On sale now from Ticketmaster.ie)

On 1 January 2027, after welcoming in the New Year, make it a full day of celebrations with family and friends at the New Year’s Day Concerts taking place in Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square. Join the festivities in Dublin Castle with live performances from Sharon Shannon’s Big Band with Jerry Fish, Camille O’Sullivan and Grainne Duffy with special guests The Frank and Walters (non-ticketed event). In Meeting House Square, enjoy performances from Absolute Lilt, Conleth Mc Geary, Heron Red, Shamrock Showband. (Free, non-ticketed event).

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! (Free, non-ticketed event)

Countdown Concert- Ticket Details

Early bird tickets priced €44.90 on sale now from Ticketmaster. Additional Ticketmaster charges will apply. Subject to 12.5% Ticketmaster service charge per ticket (max €10.50). This concert is strictly over 18’s. Event subject to licence.

Countdown Concert Matinee – Ticket Details 

*Family tickets 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 16s accompanied by an adult. 

Event subject to licence..



Launch photos courtesy of – Photocall Ireland

Ian Mc Donnell

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