The Gathering 2013, a year-long celebration of all things Irish, will get going with a New Year’s bang in December!

The Gathering will kick off in spectacular style at the New Year’s Eve Festival in Dublin and will be celebrated through gatherings of the people and Ireland’s major festivals during 2013.

After that it is over to you. It is in your hands. Be part of it!

The Gathering 2013 is not one single event. It’s an exciting year-long celebration of Ireland, its people and all that is great about its connections, both at home and abroad. The Gathering invites anyone who has a link to Ireland or just a love of the country, to come to Ireland for a series of events throughout 2013.

What better way to get the year going than to celebrate in Ireland as the New Year is ushered in!

The main event of the New Year’s Eve Dublin festival is the countdown concert at College Green, the only ticketed event of the festival. Revllers from home and abroad will gather with friends and family at College Green for the biggest and best New Year’s Party.

But rewind to early evening, when the New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a participative torchlit procession.

It’s a great way for families to enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the city center in the dark, without being out too late!

Passing through Dublin’s streets broad and narrow, the procession will feature a colorful street parade with floats, torch bearers, fire performers, stilt walkers and other stunning performances.

A little later (but not too late for the little revelers), Dublin’s iconic St. Stephen’s Green will play host to a magnificent fireworks display. This wonderful display in the heart of Georgian Dublin will transform the city skyline ahead of the New Year and will enthrall all the family.

The night is for the over-18s and, as it begins, fabulous 3D building projections will be switched on, illuminating the city’s architecture for the New Year’s Eve countdown. Aside from the main concert area nearby College Green, the city will play host to five festival zones -- Liffey Street, South King Street, Dame Court/Lane, East Essex Street and South William Street.  In these areas, parties will animate the streets with lighting effects and entertainment such as bands, DJs and performance artists.

The festival continues on New Year’s Day, and what better way to kick off the first day of 2013 than at the Big Brunch at Meeting House Square. The Big Brunch is a family friendly event featuring a traditional ceili, Artisan food market, a resolution booth, swing dancing and kids games.

So, whether you are young or old, native Dubliner or visitor, performer or spectator, New Year’s Eve Dublin 2013 has something exciting for you.