This most convivial of cities loves a party, but Dublin’s New Year Festival this year was special – it’s the first major date on The Gathering calendar. For January 1st marks the start of The Gathering Ireland 2013, a yearlong celebration of all things Irish – its people, its unique culture, heritage and rich history! It is about the people of Ireland throwing open their arms and inviting anyone who feels a connection to Ireland to come and visit in 2013!

You don’t have to be Irish to be part of the Gathering. 2013 is the best time to come and experience for yourself, in a unique and special way, the céad míle fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes) that the Irish are famous for.

Events, in every shape and size will be organised by local people throughout 2013, stretching across the island. There will be large festivals such as NYE Dublin, the Saint Patrick’s Festival and a brand new show from the makers of Riverdance! There will also be smaller gatherings, such as clan reunions, music festivals, Redhead Conventions, Left-hander Gatherings, food festivals, and other artisan events exclusive to Ireland. Festivals featuring art, literature, dance, culture, heritage, sport, film and food will take place all around the country.

Speaking about The Gathering, Liam Neeson, Actor said, "Being Irish and a citizen of the world, has made me truly appreciate Irish culture, music and history. Whether you’re first, second generation Irish or even with no connection to Ireland, you should visit in 2013 for a unique experience."

Dublin’s New Year’s Eve celebrations opened on the evening of 31 December with a huge torchlight procession along historic city centre streets, past landmarks such as Trinity College and Dublin Castle and through Temple Bar, the city’s cultural quarter, culminating at St Stephen´s Green for a magnificent fireworks display.

Among the thousands of participants will be marching bands, stiltwalkers, jugglers, fire performers and the public. The beat goes on with the Countdown Concert on College Green with Trinity College as a backdrop, headlined by top Irish act, Imelda May.

Dubliners will be justly proud of the capital’s recent inclusion in Lonely Planet as one of the top five cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the world.

Irish Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar said:
The festival marked the start of the Gathering Ireland 2013. The Gathering is now well and truly out of the blocks with over 2500 events confirmed to take place throughout the coming year. Gatherings confirmed range from small family get-togethers and local community events to large national festivals. It is hoped that these gatherings will welcome approximately 325,000 additional overseas visitors to Ireland throughout 2013.