Dublin

NYE in Dublin: fabulous places to stay and things to do

If you’re planning a NYE getaway to Dublin, then you’re in for a great time.

When I think about Dublin, I think of heaving pubs, friendly faces, and delicious food. I picture squawking seagulls, hidden cocktail bars, and strumming street musicians. Dublin, regularly voted as one of the friendliest cities in the world, is a lively city at any time of year. But the Irish capital transforms at New Year’s, when fireworks light up the sky and crowds fill the streets.

But before you dive into the celebrations, you’ll need the perfect place to stay. Whether that’s a luxurious five-star or a hip boutique hotel, is up to you. But to help make your planning a little easier, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay across the city.

Party in style at this popular Dublin hotel

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As one of the capital’s most popular four-star hotels, The Spencer takes NYE seriously. To kick off the big night, enjoy a three-course Asian fusion meal in the hotel’s East Restaurant. And you won’t need to travel far to find music, because the Spencer Cocktail Bar has an in-house DJ. If you do decide to venture out, The Spencer is just a short walk from the festivities of New Year’s Festival Dublin. The biggest NYE party in Dublin, this family-friendly festival is packed with entertainment. At 11.30 p.m., a light spectacle over the River Liffey transforms the city and there’s an earlier show for little ones.

After a night on the town, snooze in comfort in a sleek Superior room. Little luxuries, like Nespresso machines, cosy bathrobes and Handmade Soap Company toiletries, take these rooms up a notch. And if you’re travelling to Dublin with friends or family, the larger rooms are ideal. The Deluxe Triple can accommodate four adults, or two adults and two children, while the luxurious 2-bedroom Quad Room can accommodate up to 4 adults. Some of the rooms and suites have private balconies, so it’s always worth asking when you book.

Guests also have complimentary access to the Spencer Health Club – perfect for getting your new year off to a healthy start! You can hit the gym, try a group exercise class, or swim laps of the 18-meter pool. Meanwhile, if relaxation is what you’re after, book a treatment in the Viola Day Spa. Try the signature facial or indulgent full body massage for a refreshing New Year’s treat.

The Spencer

Top rated
Dublin
8.8 Excellent (2443 reviews)

Experience a glamorous Dublin NYE

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If your idea of celebrating NYE involves opulent surroundings and lavish dining, then you’ll love the Intercontinental Dublin. Set in the leafy suburb of Ballsbridge, this five-star hotel is all about sophisticated fun. To enjoy the celebratory New Year’s Eve Dinner, you’ll need to book in advance. Served in the hotel’s Seasons Restaurant, the five-course dinner intricately combines seasonal ingredients. Luckily, the extensive wine list means you’ll have lots of options to accompany each course.

After dinner, the celebrations continue with live music in the lobby. Or if you’re in a dancing mood, head to the hotel’s ICE Bar, where the DJ plays until late. Even after the music dies down, you’ll still have a dreamy night to look forward to. From the window of your spacious Deluxe Room, you can look out at the lights of Dublin, before snuggling up in your king-size bed. Or slip into your Italian marble bathroom for a long soak in the tub.

If you want to go all out for NYE, treat yourself to a stay in the Lady Gregory Suite. This sumptuous suite comes with enough space to host a private dinner party, as well as three balconies. Next morning, start the year with a bang with the hotel’s lavish, festive brunch. Sip champagne while you enjoy four delicious courses in the stylish Seasons restaurant.

Intercontinental Dublin, An Ihg Hotel

Top rated
Dublin
9.4 Excellent (1805 reviews)

Ring in the new year at this hip boutique hotel

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Hip and design-focused, The Dean is one of Dublin’s trendiest hotels. Set in the heart of Dublin’s nightlife district, this hotel is an ideal base for ringing in the new year. And when it comes to NYE dining, you’ll have your pick of restaurants in the area. Just a 10-minute walk from The Dean, Peruke and Periwig is a quirky treat. Expect velvet drapes, gilt-framed paintings, and candles galore. Book the three-course set menu and tuck into hearty mains like pan-fried hake and beetroot wellington. There are some great options for veggies and the award-winning cocktail menu is the perfect accompaniment.

From here, Christchurch Cathedral is only a short stroll away. Still one of the loveliest things to do in Dublin on NYE, Christchurch hasn’t lost any of its magic. For years, Dubliners have gathered outside the cathedral to listen to the bells as they welcome the new year.

If glitzy decor isn’t your thing, you’re likely to find The Dean’s laid-back vibe and sleek simplicity refreshing. If you’re looking for an affordable option, the ModPod rooms are a great choice. Compact and cosy, these comfy rooms come with plenty of thoughtful touches. There’s a TV with Netflix, a rainfall shower in the ensuite bathroom, and a tray of delicious Irish treats – perfect for tucking into after a night of dancing. Or book a HiFi room for plenty of space and city views. These airy rooms come with a huge bed, a minibar stuffed with Irish treats, and there’s even a record player to get you into a partying mood.

The Dean Dublin

Dublin
8.2 Very good (1379 reviews)

Enjoy a sumptuous NYE stay at this iconic Dublin hotel

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If you’re hoping to celebrate NYE in sumptuous style, then there’s no better place than The Shelbourne. One of Dublin’s most iconic luxury hotels, The Shelbourne sits in the heart of Dublin, overlooking St. Stephen’s Green. As it’s a short stroll from the city’s main cultural and shopping areas, it’s a great base for experiencing all of the capital’s festivities.

Get your NYE off to a memorable start with a three-course dinner in the hotel’s Saddle Room restaurant. Elegant and timeless, the restaurant is a wonderful blend of fine dining and relaxed Irish charm. Tuck into lavish mains, like the Kilmore Quay Monkfish or the Herb Crusted Rack of Spring Lamb, before indulging in samples from the cheese trolley. Post-dinner, wander into the glamorous No. 27 Cocktail Bar & Lounge for drinks and live music. The bar stays open late on NYE, so you’ll have plenty of time to browse the champagne menu and soak in your glittering surroundings.

Each guestroom is a luxurious sanctuary here, so if you end up rushing back to bed instead of celebrating, don’t blame me! From the sumptuous Italian bed linens to the soft terry cloth robes, you’ll be cocooned in comfort. Each room is meticulously refurbished with a splash of historic heritage, so you really can’t go wrong. For leafy views of St. Stephen’s Green, book a stay in a Heritage Parkview Room. Or for a slice of private outdoor space, splash out on a Balcony Guest Room. Next morning, embrace the indulgence of New Year’s Day with a traditional Irish Breakfast in The Saddle Room.

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Top rated
Dublin
9.3 Excellent (6986 reviews)

Have a buzzing NYE in the city centre

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If partying all night is your top priority, you can’t beat a stay at Temple Bar Inn. Set in the heart of Dublin’s busiest nightlife district, this boutique hotel proves that a city centre stay doesn’t have to cost a fortune. And with 24-hour reception and security, you’ll have no problems getting into your room after midnight.

Kick things off with a delicious dinner in the nearby Chameleon. Specialising in Indonesian dishes and Asian tapas, Chameleon is one of the best-loved restaurants in Temple Bar. Book ahead to get a table on NYE and enjoy the multitude of flavours. For post-dinner fun, pay a visit The Workman’s Club – a multi-space venue and a Dublin institution. Whether you’re into comedy, acoustic music, or big club nights, you’ll find it all here. Check the gig listings ahead of time as NYE is always a busy night.

When you’re all danced out, you’ll have a comfy hotel room to relax in. To keep costs as low as possible, go for an Economy Double room. Compact and cosy, these simple rooms come with some helpful extras, like super-fast wifi and an in-room fridge. Or for added space and comfort, splash out on a Double Deluxe. This hotel is an excellent choice if you’re travelling with friends, thanks to the choice of triple or quadruple rooms.

Temple Bar Inn

Top rated
Dublin
9.2 Excellent (2260 reviews)

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a castle near the sea

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For a magical NYE in Dublin, treat yourself to a stay at Clontarf Castle. Set in the coastal suburb of Clontarf, this four-star hotel is a peaceful escape from the NYE crowds. Combining old-world charm with contemporary comforts, it’s a wonderful place to celebrate.

But first, go back in time with a special dinner at the hotel’s Fahrenheit Restaurant. As well as the restaurant’s 12th-century walls, it features wooden beams, stained glass windows, and wall panelling. The menu is far from dated though and uses high-quality local ingredients to celebrate Irish cuisine. Under the guidance of Head Chef Stuart Heeney, the NYE menu is typically extra-special. After dinner, find a spot in the 12th-century Knights’ Bar and get cosy next to a crackling fire against a backdrop of live music.

The hotel’s blend of old and new continues in the guest rooms. The Deluxe rooms range from heritage-themed to contemporary, but you can expect modern luxuries in all of them. The pillow-topped mattress will help you drift off to sleep, while the individual climate control is great for unpredictable Irish weather. If you really feel like splashing out on your NYE stay, treat yourself to a Luxury Suite. Four-poster beds, rich jewelled tones, and printed fabrics make the suites extra-special.

Next morning, clear away the cobwebs with a refreshing New Year’s Day stroll. Just a five-minute walk from Dublin Bay, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring nearby beaches and nature reserves. And although the roses won’t be in bloom, St Anne’s Park & Rose Gardens is always a beautiful place to wander.

Clontarf Castle Hotel

Top rated
Dublin
9.3 Excellent (2801 reviews)

Jump into the NYE festivities at this sleek, modern hotel

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Whether you’re attending a NYE event in the nearby 3 Arena or joining city centre celebrations, The Gibson is an ideal place to stay. Affordable and stylish, it’s a great choice for a Dublin getaway. Start your celebrations with dinner in Coda, the hotel restaurant. Sleek, yet informal, it’s a fun place to eat before heading to a concert nearby.

And if you’re in the mood for a late-night in sultry surroundings, make your way to the Liquor Rooms. With an innovative drinks menu and vintage chic decor, the Liquor Rooms is one of my favourite cocktail bar in the city. On NYE, the bar hosts music nights, so check ahead for tickets.

When you eventually make it back to your room, you’re in for a restful night. The hotel’s Superior Rooms were designed with relaxation in mind. And with some windows facing out over the city – others overlook the internal courtyard – you might even spot some fireworks. For the added luxury of a private terrace or balcony, splash out on an Executive Room.

The 24-hour gym is free to use for hotel guests, so you can start your new year health kick straight away. There’s also a relaxation area on the 6th floor, which is perfect for a post-party chillout. Unwind in the sauna or relax in the copper baths on the terrace, while taking in the views of Dublin.

Hotel The Gibson

Top rated
Dublin
8.9 Excellent (2726 reviews)