Countries around the world have begun waving goodbye to 2025 and ringing in the new year.
Australia was among the first nations to usher in 2026, with the annual spectacular fireworks display taking place in Sydney.
However, there was a sombre tinge to the celebrations following the attack that took place on Bondi Beach over two weeks ago.
A father and son allegedly opened fire on a Jewish festival at the beach, killing 15 people in the nation’s deadliest mass shooting for almost 30 years.
Parties paused for a minute of silence at 11pm (12pm Irish time) as the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge was bathed in white light to symbolise peace.
“Right now, the joy that we usually feel at the start of a new year is tempered by the sadness of the old,” Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a video message.
Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined Sydney’s foreshore, with nine tonnes of fireworks set off from the stroke of midnight.
Residents and tourists gathered by the city’s harbour and boats dotted the water to secure the best viewing spots near the Sydney Opera House.
“The fireworks have always been on my bucket list and I’m so happy to be here,” said Susana Suisuikli, an English tourist.
Security was tighter than usual, with squads of heavily armed police patrolling the crowds.
Pacific nations including Kiribati and New Zealand, were the first to see in the new year.
The five-minute display in Auckland involved 3,500 fireworks launched from various floors of the 787ft Sky Tower.
Smaller community events were cancelled across New Zealand’s North Island due to forecasts of rain and possible thunderstorms.
A chain of celebrations will take place throughout the day, stretching from glitzy ball drop in New York’s Time Square to the Hogmanay festival on the chilly streets of Scotland.
More than two million people are expected to pack Brazil’s lively Copacabana Beach for what authorities have called the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve party.
In Hong Kong, a major New Year fireworks display planned for Victoria Harbour was cancelled to pay homage to 161 people killed in a housing estate fire in November.
In London, tens of thousands of people will flock to the banks of the Thames to watch the annual fireworks display when Big Ben strikes midnight.
A countdown concert will take place at Dublin Castle from 8pm this evening to ring in the new year.
Inhaler will headline the concert, which will also include performances by BIIRD, Florence Road and DJ Shelly Gray. A family friendly matinee concert at the castle will also be held from 4pm.
The NYF Dublin Fireworks Spectacular will also see firework displays taking place in Howth Harbour and Dun Laoghaire Harbour at 7pm.
