Portmagee Old Year Festival

Since 1822, The Old Year has been a part of New Year's Eve in Portmagee, making it a unique spot to celebrate and sing 'Auld Lang Syne'. When a Scottish ship sheltered from storms during the Christmas season, the crew passed on a Scottish New Year tradition. A procession lead by pipers, drummers, and an old man in rags makes its way through the village. On the stroke of Midnight, the elderly man "dies" only to be replaced by a young, fit character. The young man then leads the group through the town with the pipers and drummers playing joyful music. Thus, the passing of the year is commemorated in a unique and symbolic fashion.