Music
How will you spend your New Year's Eve?
We've gathered together the best events in Ireland this NYE, including a banging gig at Opium Rooms.
New Year's Eve
© Ryan Purcell/Red Bull Content Pool
When it comes to New Year's Eve, you're in one of two camps: the 'Yeahhhh! Let's go out and ring in the new year in style, woooooo!' camp, or the 'Hell no, I'm staying in to quaff cheap prosecco and shout at the telly' camp.
Well, if you're a party-like-it's-1999 sort, you'll find a copious amount of ways in the list below, which rounds up the best ways to ring in 2016 nationwide this New Year's Eve. And if you're a sit-on-the-sofa type, maybe the plethora of options will entice you out the door.
Le Galaxie
© [unknown]
There's plenty going on in Dublin, as you might expect of the Big Smoke on one of the biggest nights of the year – not least the NYF (New Year Festival), which incorporates two major musical events. Le Galaxie, All Tvvins and Wyvern Lingo will play the NYF Street Fest which takes place on a stage between Stephen's Green and Harcourt Street, while at the 3Arena, Fatboy Slim heads up an eclectic bill that includes The Coronas, Kíla, Ryan Sheridan and Donegal folk-pop duo Little Hours.
At Hangar, a NYE Masquerave encourages revellers to don their fancy dress and masks for a "big rave with your mates", with musical entertainment in the shape of Kaily, Dan Stritch, Mark Gill, Jade Carney and more, with more acts TBC.
District 8 hosts production/DJ duo Waze & Odyssey for their celebrations, topping a bill that includes sets from Sarah Mooney, Bekyn, Boots & Kats, Paul Jennings and more – while if you’re into something a little less hardcore, nearby at Vicar Street the annual Turning Pirate Mix Tape takes place, with a rotating cast of players that includes Lisa Hannigan, Booka Brass Band, Camille O'Sullivan, The Young Folk and many more.
Indie and rock fans will also be happy to hear that Ham Sandwich are playing Whelan's, while the always-excellent fusion of electropop and brass in the form of Kormac's Big Band will play The Button Factory on the night.
Gerd Janson
© Yusaku Aoki / Red Bull Content Pool
Of course, it would be remiss of us not to mention the fact that the best way to kick of 2016 would be at the Opium Rooms, where Red Bull is teaming up with Abstract to bring you an absolutely, 100% guaranteed banger of a gig. Dublin's own Krystal Klear will share a bill with renowned German techno DJ Gerd Janson for an all-nighter. Be there or be… well, the person that's disappointed with their choices on New Year's Eve.
Of course, it ain't all about Dublin. There's some top-notch gigs and events taking place around the country, too – not least at Galway's Roisin Dubh, where electro-fiddle-DJ Daithí will be joined by Mullingar youngsters The Academic and local indie scruffs Oh Boland.
In Limerick, local lads Hermitage Green will play a hometown gig to be reckoned with at Dolan's; Damien Dempsey and Imelda May will bring a rousing hooley to the INEC in Killarney, while the ever-reliable Shine at the QSU in Belfast will host Paul Woolford, a man who has been a regular on our shores over the last few years.
What's in store for the Rebel County, you may ask? At Cyprus Avenue, despite only forming in 2015, techno/house Deep Blue have the task of opening the doors to 2016 – although considering that they've been residents at the same venue all year, it'll be no trouble to them. At Coughlan's Live, Mick Flannery will provide the entertainment and wind down 2015 in a nicely chilled-out manner, while Smells Like Nirvana will be joined by Paradox and Screenreader for a decidedly non-chilled-out NYE at Crane Lane.
See? What did we tell you? Something for everyone in all four corners of the country, so it'd be a crying shame not to get out and experience it. Whatever you get up to, have a Happy New Year.