DUBLIN has become one of the world’s top places to ring in the New Year, the travellers’ bible Lonely Planet has declared.
The capital is now ranked alongside New York and Sydney is one of the best places to bring in 2014.
The findings were released as the city gears up for the third annual NYE Festival that has grown to four full days of festivities.
Details of NYE Dublin – The Ultimate Gathering were unveiled at the Mansion House. The occasion, which drawing a fitting close to the year of the Gathering, will firmly cement Dublin’s status as a world class destination for New Year’s Eve.
This year’s festival brings together the best of the capital’s holiday traditions with brand new and quirky events that are expected to welcome thousands of locals and visitors to Dublin.
Speaking at the launch, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, OisÃn Quinn, said:
“Dublin truly deserves its place as one of the great world cities to spend New Year’s Eve and this year is set to be extra special.
“I’m particularly looking forward to leading Dubliners and visitors alike in the Procession of Light and gathering in Meeting House Square for the Big Brunch on January 1. Dublin city and Dubliners have played a huge role in the Gathering so I am delighted that our beautiful city will play host to the Ultimate Gathering.
?
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, added:
“Last year’s NYE Festival kicked off The Gathering 2013 and set the tone for a great year.
“This year’s event is going to be even bigger and should put Dublin firmly on the world stage for New Year celebrations.
“I can see Dublin rivalling Edinburgh and New York as a New Year destination in a few years’ time.
“This year has been special for Irish tourism and for the people of Ireland. That’s why we have enhanced the NYE programme to make it the best festival ever held in Dublin.
“I’m looking forward to joining thousands of people from Ireland and from elsewhere for this Ultimate Gathering.
?
Also speaking at the launch, The Gathering Ireland Project Director, Jim Miley, reminded people that there is still time to make that Gathering invitation and celebrate New Year in Ireland’s capital city.
“Since we rang in 2013 at last year’s NYE Festival, we have celebrated over 5,000 Gatherings,
? he revealed.
“The countdown is now well and truly on to the Ultimate Gathering, and the four days of this year’s NYE Dublin Festival offer plenty of reasons to invite friends and family home to celebrate this special year in style.
?
The NYE Dublin Festival is a joint initiative of Fáilte Ireland and Dublin City Council and is produced by Davis Events.
The festival was established in 2011 to drive tourism to Dublin over the New Year’s period, establishing the city as a top destination for New Year’s Eve.
NYE Dublin 2013 opened the Gathering Ireland 2013 and, sponsored by Three, this year’s
‘3 NYE Dublin 2014 – The Ultimate Gathering’, will officially close a year of Gatherings.