Sure there are other major cities in Europe you could spend New Year's Eve in but here are just some of the main reasons that people love to party in Dublin on December 31.

London, Edinburgh, and Brussels are three European cities that have led the way in showing the world how to throw a party on New Year’s Eve. However, over the past five to ten years, there’s another destination, not so far from any of them, that has been quietly climbing the rankings. 

Dublin is already well-known as a city where you can kick back and relax in friendly surroundings. What better night to do so than on 31 December?  Thousands will be flocking to Ireland’s capital to welcome 2020 and here are four reasons you should join them.

The craic

Why else? The night will be one big party with public events where everyone can come together in the run-up to the big moment. The Countdown Concert features local rock band Walking on Cars as well as plenty of special guests, and as the new year arrives, the Liffey Lights Magic Moment promises to be a spellbinding display of laser effects and sounds in perfect harmony. It’s going to be a party night like you’ve never experienced before. 

The games

Dublin is a great place for night owls at any time of year, and The Sporting Emporium is a magnet for gamers and gamblers. It will be one of the most popular venues in the city center both before and long after midnight. If you want to get some practice, you can compare Irish casino sites and find the best place to perfect your blackjack and poker strategy. That way, you’ll be in with a great chance of starting 2020 on a winning note.

The food

Whether it’s the latest in contemporary dining or traditional Irish recipes that get your mouth watering, you’ll find it all in Dublin. L Mulligan Grocer off Aaron Quay is a popular haunt and offers something for everyone. The hearty soups are the stuff of legend and are likely to be just the thing as 2019 becomes 2020, but there is also a great range of main courses. For food on the go, it’s worth heading across to the Food Market at Temple Bar. Just be sure to save us a portion of the veggie curry!

The morning after

After partying hard and getting a good night’s sleep, you’ll want to get 2020 off to a dynamic start, and Dublin is the perfect place for blowing away those New Year’s Eve cobwebs with a bracing coastal walk. The Fab Food Trail is a great way to sample some more delicious titbits in a relatively guilt-free way, as you’ll be walking most of it off between the points. If you have a sense of adventure, you could also check out the Skyline Tour, a 17-story high rooftop walkway. It’s hands-down the best view of the city!

Happy New Year

Before, during and after, there’s nowhere quite like Dublin for a New Year celebration to remember. It’s known as the City of a Thousand Welcomes for a reason, and you’re guaranteed a warm one whatever the weather.