Christ Church bells ring out around the world for New Year
Jane Fogarty and Leslie Taylor preparing for the Christ Church Cathedral ringing of the bells
THE bells of Christ Church in Dublin will be ringing around the world tonight to mark the start of 2012.
Thousands are expected to log on to the internet to witness the cathedral's historic ringing of the bells.
The 19 bells will ring out as hundreds of thousands of people around the country welcome in 2012 -- some with firework displays, parades, masquerade balls and gatherings at pubs and clubs.
"In the belfry, as we strike midnight we can hear people cheering outside," said ringing master Leslie Taylor.
"We don't know how long the bell ringing has been taking place but it has been going on for at least a 100 years," Mr Taylor said. The celebrations get under way around 11pm.
In nearby College Green, an outdoor concert will feature stars including Paul Brady, Damien Dempsey, The Coronas and Riverdance.
Large crowds are expected to enjoy the pyrotechnics and light projections on the facade of Trinity College and the on-stage entertainment, with tickets priced at €10.
Markets
The performance is part of a three-day New Year's Festival with outdoor markets and children's entertainment at Dame Lane and Wolfe Tone Square.
In Cork, the first of the events to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic will get under way tomorrow.
Spike Island and the Naval Service vessel LE Emer will exchange a special gun salute in tribute to the victims of the disaster. The LE Emer will be open to the public until 4pm.
A total of 123 flares will also be released from Spike Island in remembrance of all the passengers who boarded Titanic in Cobh on April 11, 1912.
In Co Kerry, Dingle is expecting a surge of visitors for a fireworks display.
People are expected at the pier in Dingle Marina from 9pm to witness the display, which last year resulted in a boost for guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels.
The Dingle Fife and Drum Band will march through the town as the clock strikes midnight.
Just outside the Co Donegal village of Glen, the celebrations are expected to get going early as bike-lovers are invited to take part in a 10km 'Snowman Race' mountain bike challenge.
Elsewhere in the county, those wanting a more holy start to 2012 can go along to Doon Well, outside the village of Termon, for a four-hour religious festival starting at 8pm tonight.
- Louise Hogan, Ralph Riegel and Greg Harkin
Irish Independent
