New Year Breaks in Ireland - The Perfect Place Whatever You Are After

New Year will be on us soon enough - and whether you want to see 2011 in with a bang or a gentle pop you need to start planning now. There's two types of New Year reveller. The party animal and the relaxed reveller. Whichever you are you'll find Ireland a fantastic place at New Year and there is nothing like the Irish craic to help you see in 2011.

Dublin really comes alive especially after dark, so just strolling around the city's streets at night is an attraction in itself. Party animals head off to Temple Bar, Dublin's vibrant cultural quarter or for kids of all ages why not book tickets to a traditional pantomime like Aladdin at the Gaiety Theatre. Carry on the tradition and ring in the New Year to the sound of the Christchurch Bells which will be heard ringing throughout the entire city at midnight.

For the relaxed revellers amongst us there's plenty of other things to see and do. For some seasonal fun why not try Galway Bay on Ice. Nimmo's Pier in the Claddagh area is transformed into a Winter wonderland where the whole family can try out their ice skating skills. For the braver amongst you sample the exhilaration of the RNLI New Years Day swim at Dugort Silver Strand. If you don't mind the cold take the plunge or have just as much fun and join the crowds on the shoreline and cheer on the swimmers.

Join the huge New Years eve street party at Dingle. The fun starts with a spectacular fireworks display on Dingle Bay at 10pm with locals and visitors gathering at The Pier to watch the wonderful spectacle and continues with a trip around the streets of Dingle led by the Dingle Fife and Drum Band. At midnight about 2,000 people gather at The Bridge for the New Year countdown.

If you crave quieter New Year celebrations Ireland is the perfect place. Choose to take a self catering holiday cottage and you can magic yourself away to some stunning locations, hideaway in front of warm peat fires and toast the New Year in with the locals at one of many traditional Irish pubs. Take a look at Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Donegal and Wexford to find your New Year retreat.

So if you want to party the night away or escape the boozy crowds and inflated prices try the experience of an Irish New Year. Getting there is easy. Ferry prices are often cheaper than at high season and if you book in advance you can take advantage of low air fares.