Who’s on the Hootenanny and the Late Late Special? Your Guide to TV This Nye

New Year’s Eve Specials on Irish Television

As the clock ticks down to 2026, Irish television viewers are gearing up for a night filled with entertainment, music, and nostalgia. From The Late Late Show to Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny, there’s plenty of programming to keep the festivities rolling.

The Late Late Show New Year’s Eve Special

Patrick Kielty is hosting a special edition of The Late Late Show on New Year’s Eve, set for broadcast at 10:25pm on RTÉ One. Expect a mix of live music, guest appearances, and a look back at the year just gone. Musical performances will include David Gray, Lyra, Gavin James, and Cliffords, with collaborations planned.

The show will also feature appearances from Irish heptathlete Kate O’Connor, comic-musician Garron Noone, and cast members of The Traitors. The broadcast will finish with a live countdown from Dublin Castle, where Inhaler will perform as 2026 is welcomed in front of a live audience.

Mrs. Brown’s Boys

TV comedy Mrs. Brown’s Boys returns to screens with new Christmas and New Year specials. The New Year’s Eve special takes the focus on preparations for an approaching storm, bringing plenty of seasonal chaos.

Buster faces a nerve-wracking birthday parachute jump, Winnie gets an unexpected shock, and a lost nun turns up looking for help. These specials promise to deliver all the family mishaps and seasonal humor that fans have come to expect.

Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny

For those who enjoy live music, Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny is a must-watch. The show, airing on BBC Two from 11:30pm, features a mix of live performances and late-night singalongs to see in the new year. This year’s line-up includes Ronnie Wood, Olivia Dean, Lulu, Jessie J, Craig David, Heather Small, The Kooks, and Irish singer Imelda May, alongside Joe Webb, David Hermlin, and Ruby Turner. The show builds towards midnight with collaborative performances, guest appearances, and a countdown that has become a New Year’s Eve staple for viewers looking to avoid the pub.

Ronan Keating & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party

Ronan Keating is bringing Boyzone fans together with his Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party. The special, airing at 11:30pm on BBC One, will see Keating joined on stage by former bandmates Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch. Performances from Louise Redknapp, Calum Scott, and Shona McGarty will also feature.

This reunion comes ahead of a planned one-off Boyzone reunion stadium show next year, with London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks serving as the backdrop for 2026’s arrival.

So whether you’re staying in to watch or heading out to celebrate, there’s no shortage of entertainment options this New Year’s Eve. From musical performances to comedy specials, Irish television has got it all covered.