Ireland’s top places for New Year’s Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style this year with HYDE Bar in Galway City. The stylish surroundings and electric atmosphere of HYDE Bar provide the perfect backdrop for a night to remember. Bring together family and friends and let the classy ambience of this chic city-centre venue be the perfect setting to ring in the new year. Last year’s package included Moët & Chandon on arrival, followed by an incredible five course New Year’s Eve menu, bubbles at midnight and then a DJ till late.

Bringing an exciting slice of the capital to the heart of Leixlip, TOWN meets all your modern socialising needs. A sophisticated late bar by night with the best live bands the Irish circuit has to offer, while the daytime sees the pub transform into a comfortable and luxurious dining experience. TOWN loves a party so watch this place transform into a party like no other come to New Year’s Eve.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in one of Galway’s most popular gastropubs – The Universal. Boasting small plates such as Aran Island Crab Meat, Celery and Granny Smith, and Gilligan’s Farm Striploin, Watercress, Bone Marrow and Parsley Butter Chicken, this place is a great shout for slap-up food with the family before raising a glass to the midnight hour.

Stephen McArdle, from Keady, Co. Armagh, has been behind the stove for over 20 years. Focusing on sourcing locally, with the bounty of produce Ireland has to offer, Stephen’s menus are seasonal and reflect his passion for cooking and his love of flavour. Together with Morgan VanderKamer, a Canadian-born sommelier (voted the Best Sommelier in Ireland 2021 by the Irish Times & Irish Food & Wine Magazine), the duo run the amazing UNioN Wine Bar & Kitchen, which offers unbeatable dinner and sample lunch menu. A must-visit in Waterford.

If you want to raise a glass of fine wine to the new year, look no further than 64 Wine. This team is comprised of passionate wine experts that love engaging with the community of Glasthule! Along with a great range of wine, the team also offers a carefully selected range of food in its deli with a new selection of Irish cheese and artisan charcuterie produce to tempt you.

Goosers, a newly opened restaurant in Ballina, Co. Tipperary, offers an inviting menu with dishes that cater to diverse tastes. Guests can start with options like seafood chowder or breaded goats cheese, followed by hearty mains like the Hereford beef burger, traditional fish & chips, or an aromatic Thai curry. Located along the scenic River Shannon, the restaurant boasts beautiful, tranquil surroundings that enhance the dining experience, perfect for a peaceful escape while enjoying a delicious meal this New Year’s.

For something special on New Year’s Eve, consider Dede at the Customshouse in Cork. The spice-based Turkish fusion cuisine is created by using raw and fresh ingredients from West Cork, working closely with producers, farmers and fishermen who share the restaurant’s ethos for sustainable, organic and minimal waste approach farming. The emphasis is on beautiful, local produce married with Chef Ahmet Dede’s Turkish heritage. Inspired by his memories and appreciation of the traditional flavours from his country, Cork is the place to be for exquisite food cooked with love.

Maybe you’re looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve a little earlier in the day? Perhaps some afternoon tea might be more your thing? If so, afternoon tea in the The K Club’s opulent Chinese Drawing Room is a spectacular choice. Overlooking the outdoor terrace and beautiful manicured gardens with open log fires, here you’ll experience the luxurious surroundings which The K Club has to offer its guests. Enjoy a three-tiered silver stand, which consists of freshly baked scones with jam and cream, exquisite pastries and finger sandwiches.

Fancy a gorgeous seafood dish for your last meal of 2024? Then your choice at Fishy Fishy Restaurant Kinsale will certainly be a memorable one. This is an award-winning restaurant run by husband and wife team, Martin and Marie Shanahan who are totally passionate about what they do. Chef Martin knows a thing or two about fish. His passion for seafood saw them open their original Kinsale Gourmet Store in 1990. A fish shop and deli in one, it regularly had queues of diners vying to be seated. This roaring success led them to expand the business and finally culminated in the opening of their Fishy Fishy Restaurant.

Dwyers of Cork offers a gastro-dining experience full of cosy booths and snugs – perfect for those winter nights. It is open all day, however, so if you’re looking to see in the new year with breakfast, brunch or lunch, then you can. You’ll find all the classics on the brunch menu, but it’s the sambos that Dwyers really specialises in. From the braised and smokey beef to the rotisserie chicken and more, you can make your brunch bottomless if you’re feeling extra celebratory this New Year’s.

Blake’s can be found in The Heritage and boasts plush velvet seating and modern booths. There’s an award-winning breakfast here, offering a wide selection of hot dishes, pastries and plenty of gluten-free options, while dinner provides a strong emphasis on local produce that ensure dishes have fuller flavour and a memorable culinary journey. For an award-winning way to see out the year, look no further.

For a meal with the children in tow, book with Galileos. Situated in Edenderry, Co Offaly, this place specialises in authentic Italian and European dishes that are carefully prepared using high quality fresh ingredients and are served in stylish surroundings by friendly staff in order to provide you with the best dining experience. A family favourite, for sure!