Welcome 2013 in Style: NYE in Dublin

As one of the most energetic times of the year, when people in their thousands flock to towns and cities to bring in the New Year, December 31st is steeped in fun and enjoyment all over the world. Dublin is no different - in fact, it has an incredible amount of festivity to offer to both locals and tourists alike. Travellers from beyond the city can make use of cheap hotels in the vicinity of the city centre; reasonable prices can be an attractive prospect so that budgets can be adhered to.

In the Republic of Ireland, New Year's Eve is much celebrated. With winter festivities being celebrated in Ireland for thousands of years, NYE merriment is no new thing. In the olden times, the celebrations commemorated the end of the harvest season as well as the darkest time of year, and, as such, people would hold feasts and light fires to illuminate the darkness.

Where some of these customs are still seen nowadays, such as bonfires and firework displays, many revellers are looking for a good evening where they can bring in the new year with their friends and family. Begin the evening with a torchlight procession "through the streets broad and narrow", encouraging local and visitor alike to contribute to and appreciate this superb parade. With impressive pyrotechnics and dazzling floats, it will be difficult to focus on one thing as the streets come alive in preparation for the looming 2013.

Many celebrations, whether in Dublin or otherwise, are ticketed events, which can be bought online or via official ticket sellers. The Countdown Concert, that takes place on NYE, is the festival's only ticketed event. At €15 a ticket, it's a lot cheaper than many other New Year events and will provide an experience to be rivalled.

Music will be brought direct to spectators as the concert takes place in the heart of the city, on the College Green, with neighbouring streets providing a hub of bustling activity as live entertainment spills onto the cobbles. Headliners will be announced over the coming weeks, but to give an idea of the remarkable bands, 2011 celebrations saw indie band, The Coronas, play on their home turf, as well as Irish folk music aficionado, Paul Brady, take to the stage. Once the music subsides, cast your eyes skyward to witness a spectacular fireworks display above St. Stephen's Green.

Everyone is welcome, whatever the age; the atmosphere and contagious merriment will put everyone into a great mood for the final countdown. If the main event doesn't fill you with excitement, there are a number of different options to consider. From the undoubted music of the Dublin gospel choir to Live at the Guinness Storehouse, there's a myriad of things on offer to whet your appetite. Likewise, the Big Brunch on New Year's Day is equally attractive for merriment once the revelling has subsided.

As far as NYE celebrations are concerned, Dublin provides - and then some.