Run for Temple Street

Is it your New Year’s resolution to exercise more? Whether you’re a serious athlete or a C25k, kick off 2016 as you intend to go on. The Caragh 5k and 10k New Year’s Day Run in Kildare on 1 January, in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital, is a great event. Starting off in the lovely village setting of Caragh, the route will lead you through leafy townlands and single-track roads. The organisers have partnered with Pop up Races this year to time the event, giving runners a better experience. Warm up (or down) with a cup of tea and refreshments. Registration starts at 9.30am at the Caragh Community Centre and the run starts at 11am. Adults are €15 to enter, families €20, and walkers go free. Pay online at www.popupraces.ie or on the day.

Countdown in Dingle

Hit the road and head to Dingle Peninsula this New Year’s Eve for the best fireworks display in all of the Kingdom. Organised by Dingle Business Chamber, the celebrations will kick off at the Dingle Marina at 10pm for the firework display. The Dingle Fife and Drum band will start the parade at 11.30pm from outside O’Flaherty’s Pub. Follow them as they march around Dingle town to the bridge at the bottom of main street, where thousands of people will gather at Dingle’s famous projected clock to ring in the new year. Visit Dingle Business Chamber’s Facebook page for more information.

Party like Bond

Fancy celebrating in style this New Year’s Eve? Put on that glitzy gown and go to Belfast for a Casino Royale-themed night of celebrations at Titanic Belfast, where the legendary boat was built. You will be greeted with a cocktail on arrival, in true Bond style, followed by a themed evening supper. Popular Belfast band James Peake Xperience will be playing everything from Tom Jones to Elvis and Freddie Mercury. When your feet get tired, try your hand at the casino and roulette tables. Ticketscost £40 per person. For more information visit www.titanicbelfast.com

Mingle with Macra

Macra members can celebrate the countdown in style at glitzy balls in Cork, Tipperary and Louth this year. Carrigaline Macra are having their annual ball in the Radisson Hotel in Little Island, Co Cork, with a champagne drinks reception, five-course meal, complimentary toast to bring in the new year, finger food, late bar, live band and DJ until 4am. South Tipp Macra are having a Gals and Gangsters-themed ball this year in the Clonmel Park Hotel, with music from No Recession. Louth Macra are having their ball in the Crowne Plaza, Dundalk, with delicious food, great drink promotions, and dancing all night. Visit the events page on www.macra.ie for information.

Welcome 2016 in Dublin

NYF Dublin is Ireland’s biggest New Year celebration, showcasing the best of contemporary Irish talent in arts, music, culture and live entertainment over three jam-packed days. The highlight of this year’s event is the Countdown Concert in the 3 Arena, with a stellar lineup, including The Coronas, Fat Boy Slim, Ryan Sheridan, Kíla and The Little Hours. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.ie and cost €34.50 including booking fee. Many free events will also be taking place around the city, such as the stunning street Prosession of Light, and the world record attempt for the largest bodhrán session, both taking place at St Stephen’s Green. Visit www.NYFDublin.com for the full list.

Sundown on Achill

New Year’s Eve on Achill island is one of the best in Europe. See the final sunset of 2015 and watch dusk fall over Keel and Achill Head and out over the Atlantic towards North America at the observation point at Minaun. The local pubs and bars provide great entertainment, from the traditional seisún to contemporary music. Hangovers are not to be feared on this island, so brace yourself for a chilly dip in the Atlantic with the traditional New Year’s Day swim at Dugort, to cure all ailments. For those less brave, kick-start that “new year, new you” mentality with a brisk walk along the 3km beach at Keel. Visit www.achilltourism.com for more information. CL