The arrival of 2006 is being marked around the world.
Earlier today, areas of Oceania, Asia and the Pacific were the first to mark the New Year, which will be celebrated around the world later tonight and into tomorrow morning.
In New York, one million people are expected to gather in Times Square for the traditional descent of a half-tonne ball of crystal marking the last 60 seconds of the year at 5am Irish time.
This year's event is to be dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Cork is marking the end of its year as European Capital of Culture with a fireworks display. Certain streets in the city were closed from 7pm to 9pm for the event.
In London, a 24-hour strike by London Underground staff threatened to cause transport caos for the city's revellers.
In Paris, 500,000 were expected to gather near the Eiffel Tower and along the Champs Elysees to mark the start of 2006.
4,500 gendarmes are on duty in the French capital to prevent a flare up of the three weeks of violence seen in the country in October and November.
Meanwhile in St Peter's Basilica in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI devoted most of his final public comments of 2005 to his predecessor, John Paul II.
Pope Benedict described John Paul as 'well-loved' and said he planned to continue his focus on the concept of family. The pontiff also highlighted dialogue over the past year with other churches.
Oceania, Asia first to ring in 2006
In the Chinese capital, Beijing, bells and drums were sounded 108 times at midnight (4pm Irish time), signifying the elimination of worldly troubles in accordance with Buddhist tradition.
Elsewhere across Asia and the Pacific street parties and glittery displays were also held, with Hong Kong boasting a massive light and sound show in which fireworks were set off from 20 buildings around its famed Victoria Harbor.
Earlier this afternoon, Australia and New Zealand became the first major countries to ring in the New Year.
An estimated one million people gathered at Sydney harbour, where fireworks lit up the sky at midnight (1pm Irish time).
Revellers prepared to party into the early hours amid sweltering night time temperatures in Sydney that were expected to rise to 40 degrees Celsius on New Year's Day.
Security was tight for the festivities, with around 1,700 police patrolling the streets and beaches to prevent any outbreaks of violence following suburban race riots earlier this month.
