Dublin Lunar New Year 2026 | Welcome - 2026 - Dublin Lunar New Year 2026

President Catherine Connolly

A chairde,

Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, tá áthas orm mo dhea-ghuí a sheoladh do gach duine atá ag glacadh páirt I gceiliúradh Athbhliain na Gealaí Baile Átha Cliath.

As you welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, generosity and progress, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone celebrating across Ireland. I wish particularly to thank the members of the East Asian community for the positive, vibrant and enduring contribution that you have made and continue to make to Irish society. Tá ardmhóladh tuillte agaibh.

I hope that the year ahead will bring new possibilities, as we all work together in solidarity to craft a shared, inclusive future.

Guím Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise daoibh agus suaimhneas agus síocháin sa bhliain amach romhaibh.

Catherine Connolly

Uachtarán na hÉireann

Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam

As we welcome the Year of the Horse, I want to wish everyone celebrating a very happy and memorable Lunar New Year. Bliain an Chapaill faoi mhaise daoibh!

The Horse is a wonderful symbol for the year ahead, representing energy, freedom, and moving forward with confidence. It reminds us to embrace new opportunities, stay positive, and keep going—even when the road ahead feels challenging.

People born in the Year of the Horse are known for their enthusiasm, independence, and big hearts. They are hardworking, honest, and generous, with a natural ability to bring people together. Horses value friendship and community, and they often go out of their way to support others.

Since 2008, Dublin Lunar New Year has brought the city to life with colourful celebrations of Asian culture. Through music, art, film, and food, people of all ages can come together to enjoy new experiences, share traditions, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes our capital such a special place.

Festival Ambassador Jinny Ly

Lunar New Year is a time where memories, stories and wishes gather. As we clean and prepare our homes for the incoming new year, we look back on the memories created with our family and friends during this special occasion. Over dinner, with what seems like an endless supply of dumplings and noodles, we wait for that perfect moment to share a story. Like that one time Oldest Auntie screamed and nearly fainted when I showed her my pet rat. It was Uncle’s idea, but I digress.

Let us come together and welcome the Lunar New Year with blessings of good health, good fortune and prosperity for all. During a time when the roots of tradition are honoured and remembered, may we mindfully live in the present and be thankful for what we have around us. And when we look to the future, may we make decisions with kindness in our heart and clarity in our mind. Wishing you all a wonderful and happy Lunar New Year!

Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ireland

Spring Festival, a living form of intangible cultural heritage with a history spanning thousands of years, is one of China’s most enduring cultural symbols. On December 4, 2024, UNESCO inscribed “Spring Festival: Social Practices of the Chinese People in Celebration of the Traditional New Year” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its universal cultural value.

For many years, Dublin City Council has hosted the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival, offering a vibrant platform for communities to celebrate together. I believe this year’s celebrations will further strengthen mutual understanding and deepen the friendship between the Irish and Chinese peoples.

2026 is the Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises vitality, strength, resilience and success. I wish you and your family good health, happiness, and every success in the year ahead.

中文参考：

春节，作为拥有数千年历史的活态非物质文化遗产，是中国最具持久力的文化符号之一。2024年12月4日，联合国教科文组织将“春节：中国民众庆祝传统新年的社会实践”列入人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录，彰显其普世文化价值。

多年来，都柏林市议会持续举办都柏林春节庆典，为社区共庆提供了生动平台。相信今年的活动将进一步增进爱中两国人民的相互理解，深化两国人民的友谊。

2026年是马年，在中华文化中马象征着活力、力量、韧性和成功。谨祝您及家人在新的一年里身体健康、幸福美满、万事如意。

Ambassador Yong-kil Kim

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ireland

Happy Lunar New Year from the Korean Embassy in Ireland!

I wish you a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year as we welcome 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse. Sincere thanks to Dublin City Council for once again recognising this important
celebration and supporting cultural cooperation between Irish and Asian communities.

The Year of the Fire Horse combines the freedom, strength and determination of the horse with the passion and intensity of fire. The horse holds a special place in Korean culture,
symbolising vitality and perseverance, and this symbolism resonates strongly in Ireland too.

From ancient Celtic mythology to Korea’s historic horse traditions, including those of Jeju Island, the horse represents courage, endurance and a strong bond between people and land.
Unlike mythical or distant animals; the horse is familiar, real and trusted by both Korean and Irish people alike.

May the Fire Horse inspire confidence and resilience in the year ahead. To all who celebrate, I wish you a peaceful and happy Lunar New Year.

Charge D'affaires Intan Nadia Ramli

Embassy of Malaysia in Ireland

Gong Xi Fa Cai from the Embassy of Malaysia in Ireland!

The Lunar New Year, known in Malaysia as Chinese New Year, is a meaningful time of joy, reflection and togetherness. It marks a fresh beginning and an opportunity to look ahead with hope and optimism. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we are reminded of the values it represents, including energy, courage, determination, and progress. These values are reflected in the celebrations across Malaysia, where families and communities come together to honour tradition, strengthen bonds, and share in the warmth of reunion through festive gatherings and shared meals.

In this time of celebration and connection, the Embassy of Malaysia joins those marking this special occasion. We extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Lunar New Year in Ireland and Malaysia happiness, good health, and prosperity in the year ahead.

Ambassador Michelle Winthrop

Irish Embassy in Korea

Ambassador Deirdre Ní Fhallúin

Irish Embassy in Vietnam

Ambassador Sarah McGrath

Irish Embassy in Singapore

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