Tourism interests in Dunmore East, Co Waterford, have come up with an innovative idea for the millennium celebrations. They've decided to hold a second "millennium weekend" in January to accommodate those who have to work the first time around or find they can't afford the inflated prices likely to be charged.
They have even promised to organise babysitters at normal prices for people planning an overnight stay in the seaside village on January 7th or 8th.
Ms Edwina Foyle, co-owner of the Strand Inn and a member of the Dunmore East Tourism Committee, said they had come up with the idea because many people, including gardai, nurses and doctors, would be unable to take part in the new year celebrations.
"Then there are people who might not be able to afford it or just might not want to go out when the place is absolutely chock-a-block. We thought why not have a second weekend with music in all the pubs and hotels and basically run it like a holiday weekend?
"Perhaps it will be slightly less frenetic and certainly less expensive than the new year weekend itself," she added. Normal prices for meals and accommodation will apply, the committee has promised, but in every other respect a festive weekend is promised.
It does mean that Edwina and the staff at the Strand Inn restaurant will find themselves working not one, but two millennium weekends, but she says this is not a problem. "The bar stays open but we close the restaurant for the rest of January, so the staff don't mind when they're getting the rest of the month off."