New Year’s Festival 2015 was celebrated in DUBLIN.
I was looking for something different, a new destination to explore and different ways to celebrate the new year. I wanted a place where the new year festivities weren’t just about the midnight countdown and fireworks in the skies. Seen that, been there.
I was looking for something special, something that inspired me to start the new year with a purpose.
I found it in Dublin.
Dublin is, not only a beautiful city with nice cozy bars, amazing live music performances and friendly people, but also a truly inspirational city through its history, innovation and the way it captures your emotional state.
I must say that attending some of the events included in the Dublin New Years festivities, such as the poetry slam and Resolution Day, changed my awareness of mental health.
To Make mental health a priority, became my new resolution for 2016.
What’s New Year festivities got to do with it?
In Dublin the local associations are working in close proximity with the organizers of the NY festivities to include mental health awareness in the community. This is, in my opinion what a conscious society should do, considering the world health panorama.
I attended beautiful poetic performances that spoke about problems like bullying, addictions, suicide and the frustrations of not being who you are expected to be in life.
This was done in bars; where young and old would meet to celebrate poetry, in the streets; where you embrace the difference in live performances of different cultures and in the church; with an inspirational evening of TED-style talks.
What do you get back from these events?
By connecting with different people and knowing that you are not alone in your challenges, your self-esteem increases and you become more aware of one fact: You must take good care of yourself.
Hugs, tears and laughter are highly recommended as emotions easily arise.
So what can you do in NYF Dublin?
Here is my list. I hope it inspires you to try something new for next NY celebrations.
1. TAKE A TOUR AROUND DUBLIN
Visit museums, galleries, churches, Dublin’s castle and of course the Guinness Storehouse where I learned how to pull the perfect pint!
Join the Fashionable Northside Walking Tour where the Historian Pat Liddy looks at the New Year’s customs and festivities from the past while walking in the capital’s most fashionable quarter in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Here’s a tip from the past for those who are single: place sprigs of mistletoe under your pillow so that the new year can bring you future wives and husbands ;).
2.PARTIES, MUSIC & LIVE PERFORMANCES
Experience the Three Countdown Concert.
We attended amazing performances from Fatboy Slim, Ryan Sheridan and The Coronas at the 3 Arena Dublin. The Arena is a huge venue but it was well organized as we could easily walk our way amongst the crowds. Standing tickets at €34.50 & seated tickets at €39.50
Join the Dublin Handelian Orchestra, with up to 120 singers from Our Lady’s Choral Society.
Be a part of the NYF Street Fest and ring in the New Year with live music performances on Stephen’s Green South.
See the pop up Street Performances on O’Connell Street.
We also took part in the World Record Attempt at the World’s Largest Bodhran Session and smashed it! The bodhran is an Irish frame drum, and produces a unique sound- quite addictive 😉
Check out the Poetry Slam at the Workman’s Club in Temple Bar where top poets from Ireland compete with their high-energy and inspiring words. The audience then picks up their favorite. Get ready to clap your fingers!
#poetryslam brilliant experience! #lovedublin #nyfdublin
Um vídeo publicado por Ana Sofia (@frommadeiratomars) a
3. NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
Take part in Resolution Day which happen in various locations throughout the city focusing on Fun, Fitness, Health and Mental Wellbeing.
We went to the Christchurch Cathedral and loved the inspirational evening of TED-style talks, music, comedy and poetry. Passionate speakers, which included a range of Irish media and celebrities, shared their personal mental health journeys inspiring the audience to achieve collective wellbeing.
4. RESTAURANT CELEBRATIONS
Looking for festive dinner ideas? We had a wonderful dinner in the Eden Bar & Grill , right in the heart of the Creative Quarter. The restaurant had a nice festive yet romantic atmosphere and the food was great!
In Brasserie Sixty6 we had a nice Disco Lunch with fizzy cocktails accompained by the tunes of DJ Jay Smith. There was also a crazy dancing duet: Azaria Starfire (Disco Diva) and Tom O’Donnell (O’Donnell Dance) who taught me some dancing tips ;).
5. OPEN-AIR ACTIVITIES
For a breath of Fresh Air, go out of the city to the lovely coastal village of Howth. Take a walk and visit any of the many cafes, bars and restaurants along the seafront.
Check out Luminosity near St Stephen’s Green South. This is one of the highlights of the festival, where a façade of a building is telling a unique story with cutting edge 3D light projections.
Luminosity #lovedublin #nyfdublin
Um vídeo publicado por Ana Sofia (@frommadeiratomars) a
6. FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Light up a lantern and join the Procession of Light through Dublin’s streets with music, and performers.
Storyteller Paul Timoney has created a workshop called ‘Hello Myself’ for children aged 6-12 years old. This workshop is about the themes explored in the movie Inside Out. The workshop is designed to encourage children to learn to express themselves verbally or through creative means.
Tickets are €10
Join family-friendly activities at National Museum of Ireland.
Where to stay?
We stayed at Buswell’s Hotel on Molesworth Street, Dublin, a classic, well located hotel in Dublin. Beautiful, romantic and a charming atmosphere. Book it here.
How to walk around?
You can download the Lynk app to your phone and call, pre-book and track a professional
taxi driver.
We used it and recommend it. www.lynk.ie
How to go to Dublin?
We took the Air lingus flight from Lisbon. It costs around 100 € return if you book in advance
My stay was courtesy of VisitDublin and TourismIreland but views expressed are my own.
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