Action Packed: Activities To Do Around Ireland

Forget lazing about watching television, you want to get out on the road and do something memorable this month. Here are a few suggestions… New Year's Festival: Food Village Dublin's New Year's Festival kicks off this week so if you're in the capital, why not head along and enjoy the three day Food Village in Barnardo's Square beside the stunning backdrop of City Hall right in the heart of the city. Starting at noon each day, you can treat yourself to delicious artisan food and a piping hot coffee while you take in the entertainment at Barnardo's Square. Click here for more information Limerick On Ice Ireland's longest established skating rink is now in its 11th year and it can be found once again at Arthur's Quay in Limerick. Open now until 4 January, a trip to Limerick on Ice is the perfect family day out as it's guaranteed to be enjoyed by young and old alike! Click here for more information   Traditional Old Year Celebration If you're ringing in the New Year in Kerry, why not head to the village of Portmagee to catch a special event known as The Old Year. Every New Year's Eve a street parade takes place led by a piper with blazing turf torches and a local man dressed as the Old Year. The old man becomes increasingly decrepit until, on the stroke of midnight, a shot rings out and he disappears. A vibrant young man depicting the New Year appears and takes over the parade – greeting all the locals as he passes. Sounds like an interesting tradition to us! Click here for more information   With thanks to MSL Ballsbridge