Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is due to launch a group of activities to mark Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rooster, which falls on Jan 28.

The celebrations, which are expected to last two weeks, will start on Jan 27 with Chinese traditional performances, such as dragon dances and drumming at Meeting House Square in the city's Temple Bar district.

On Jan 28, the first day of Chinese New Year, a symphony concert will be presented at University College of Dublin. Under the baton of Ronan O'Reilly, the Royal Irish Academy of Music will join hands with 10-year-old Chinese-Irish pianist Joe O’Grady to interpret classical music.

The home of whiskey also will fuel the festive ambience with the alcohol, by offering two Chinese guided tours on Feb 5 and 12 at the Irish Whiskey Museum to tell intoxicating stories about the drink.

According to Tourism Ireland, there will be more than 20 activities over the two weeks. During that time the Mansion House and City Hall in Dublin will be illuminated in red.

Contact the writer at Lijing2009@chinadaily.com.cn