Thousands of people are expected to attend the New Years Eve festival in Dublin tonight, where The Gathering will officially be launched.

The Countdown Concert, procession of light and fireworks display will mark the start of a year of events aimed at encouraging tourists to visit Ireland.

70 international journalists have arrived in Dublin to cover the event, which is to be broadcast live.

Already 2013 has begun in Australia and New Zealand.

A televised countdown concert featuring Imelda May and Bell X1 takes place in College Green in Dublin from 9 o'clock tonight with tickets priced at €20.

Meanwhile, party go-ers are being urged to leave the car keys at home.

The Road Safety Authority is reminding motorists that drink-driving is not worth the risk of killing someone or themselves.

Finally, alcohol and medicine is always a bad idea, but something party-goers should be particularly aware of during the festive season.

Pharmicists say failure to ignore that advice could result in drowsiness or nauseau or cause someone to get involved in an accident.

In the meantime, here is an example of what Bell X1 will have in store tonight: