Dublin Countdown Concert 2026: Line-Up, Tickets & NYE Guide
Dublin's Countdown Concert returns to Dublin Castle on 31 December 2026 with Aaron Rowe headlining, plus The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray — and a family matinee from €9.90.
If you're looking for one of the biggest places to celebrate New Year's Eve in Ireland, Dublin Castle is going to be difficult to beat.
Dublin's Countdown Concert returns on Thursday 31 December 2026, bringing live music, a huge midnight celebration and thousands of people together in the heart of the capital to welcome 2027.
This year's headline act is Aaron Rowe, joined by The Academic, THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray.
And if you've got children or simply don't fancy staying out until midnight, there's also a separate family-friendly Countdown Concert Matinee earlier in the afternoon.
The main event forms part of New Year's Festival Dublin, which runs from 30 December 2026 until 1 January 2027 with three days of concerts, street entertainment, traditional music and New Year celebrations across the city.
When & Where
Date: Thursday 31 December 2026 Location: Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 Main concert: Approximately 8pm–12:30am Age: Strictly over 18s
Dublin Castle is right in the heart of the city centre — Temple Bar, Christchurch, Dame Street and Grafton Street are all within easy walking distance, making it straightforward to combine the concert with dinner or drinks beforehand.
Line-Up
Aaron Rowe — Headline Act
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe headlines the 2026 Countdown Concert. He has enjoyed a huge rise in recent years, sharing stages with Lewis Capaldi, Dermot Kennedy, Sam Fender and David Gray, and performing at major festivals including Glastonbury and Electric Picnic.
The Academic
The popular Irish indie-rock band will also perform at the main Countdown Concert.
THEATRE
One of Ireland's rising alternative acts, combining elements of rock, folk, shoegaze and atmospheric music.
KK Lewis
The Dublin singer-songwriter brings a mixture of soul, pop and R&B influences to the line-up.
DJ Shelly Gray
DJ Shelly Gray will keep the celebrations moving with a selection of party favourites.
It's a strongly Irish line-up for one of the country's biggest New Year's Eve celebrations.
Tickets
Early-bird tickets: €44.90 plus Ticketmaster charges (12.5% per ticket, up to a maximum of €10.50).
Because this is one of Dublin's major New Year's Eve events, we'd recommend booking sooner rather than waiting until December.
The Midnight Moment
As 2026 comes to an end, the crowd at Dublin Castle will join together for the Midnight Moment — music, lights and a huge countdown as the final seconds of the year disappear. Previous editions have included spectacular lighting and pyrotechnic effects around Dublin Castle, making the setting particularly impressive once midnight arrives.
Family Matinee
The Countdown Concert Matinee takes place at Dublin Castle earlier on New Year's Eve — perfect if you're visiting with children.
Date: 31 December 2026 Time: Approximately 4pm–6:30pm Headliner: The Academic Also performing: THEATRE, KK Lewis and DJ Shelly Gray
The matinee includes its own early Midnight Moment, allowing families to celebrate the arrival of the New Year without keeping younger children awake until midnight. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Single ticket: €9.90 | Family ticket: €24.90 (2 adults + 2 children)
For a family New Year's Eve event in the centre of Dublin, that's excellent value.
Note: the matinee and main evening concert are separate ticketed events — the site is cleared between them.
New Year's Festival Dublin 2026
The Countdown Concert is only part of a much bigger festival running 30 December 2026 – 1 January 2027 across Dublin Castle, Meeting House Square and other city-centre locations.
30 December — Echoes of Ireland: Free concerts at Dublin Castle celebrating Irish music, approximately 3:30pm–8pm. Also on 30 December, the NYF Dublin Music Trail brings emerging Irish musicians to venues across the city centre — traditional, rock, indie, folk and alternative. Free entry.
1 January — New Year's Day: The Ignite and Excite Procession through Dublin City Centre from approximately 4:30pm, with marching bands, street performers, music and costumes. Free New Year's Day concerts at Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square.
Practical Tips
Getting there: Dublin Castle is extremely central. Nearest Luas stops are Jervis, Trinity and St Stephen's Green. Several Dublin Bus routes serve the surrounding streets. We'd strongly favour public transport over driving — road closures and traffic management measures may be in place around festival locations.
Getting home: Plan this before the concert. Check Transport for Ireland closer to the date for late-night services — late Dublin Bus, Nitelink, Luas, DART and commuter rail options may be available.
What to wear: Warm waterproof coat, several layers, hat, gloves and comfortable shoes. Standing outside for several hours feels considerably colder than walking around the city. Prioritise waterproof clothing over an umbrella — large outdoor concerts often restrict them.
Arriving: Allow plenty of time for security checks and queues. Don't arrive five minutes before the headliner and expect everything to go smoothly.
Food: Eat before entering. Temple Bar, Dame Street and South Great George's Street all have plenty of options within minutes of Dublin Castle.
Where to stay: Temple Bar, Christchurch, Dame Street, St Stephen's Green, Grafton Street area and Smithfield are all convenient. Hotels around New Year's Eve can be expensive — book early.
Date: Thursday 31 December 2026 Location: Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 Main concert: ~8pm–12:30am | Matinee: ~4pm–6:30pm Main concert tickets: €44.90 early-bird | Matinee: from €9.90 Age (main concert): Strictly over 18s
