Although I was tempted to write a post about the dreaded budget, I have opted to spare you all the depression of worrying about tax hikes and welfare cuts when we have only 17 days to go to Christmas. Instead, my friends, I am continuing my blog theme of optimism and today I would like to divert your attention from the doom and gloom to the 2011 Dublin New Year Festival! Let's face it folks, 2010 was a bit of a write-off in economic terms, so we can only hope that things will get a bit better in 2011 (well they can't really get any worse, can they?!). So, with that in mind, I am all for ringing in the New Year with smiles on our faces and a glass of Lidl's best bubbly in our hands. The Dublin New Year Festival looks like it's going to become an annual event (think Hogmanay in Scotland or the fireworks in Sydney... well, we might as well aim high!). Among the major events announced for the three day 2010/2011 programme are performances from world renowned street performers Jack Wise, Grant Goldie, Jack Flash and Pete Dobbing. Also featuring will be 'Solas', a family event at Dublin Castle which will be transformed into a wonderland of light and illumination. The Dublin Gospel Choir will also be performing a very special choral recital at the historic setting of Christ Church Cathedral and other events planned for the city include fun fairs, family circus workshops and 'New Year Live' at the Guinness Storehouse, with four floors of eclectic entertainment and bucketloads of Irish hospitality. So, let's all raise a glass in Dublin this New Years Eve and look towards 2011 with a dash of hope! And, as always, if you're looking for discount Dublin coach hire or minibus hire to take you and your friends into the city for this year's festivities and home again afterwards (have you ever attempted to get a taxi in Dublin on New Year's Eve? Not pleasant, folks!) then Budget Bus is the only place you need to contact! Call us today on 01-8227265 or email hello@budgetbus.ie for your low cost bus hire quotation!