There are plenty of fantastic things to do without alcohol in Dublin – not every social event has to be a trip to the pub or a bar! As the new year begins, some people opt to partake in Dry January, giving up alcohol for the whole month.
It’s a great way to lose weight, feel healthier and have some respite from hangovers. Others choose to be sober all of the time or do so for religious reasons and it can be a bit annoying when every social event seems to involve alcohol.
So, here’s our list of the best things to do without alcohol in Dublin, for some sober inspiration. Even if you do partake in the odd alcoholic beverage, it can be nice to get out into the city and explore these experiences, too.
1. Vintage Tea Trips
These tours of Dublin take place onboard old Dublin buses and they’re entirely alcohol-free. Even if you’ve lived in Dublin your whole life, you can probably learn something new from those onboard.
As the bus travels through the city, providing views of iconic buildings, you can enjoy afternoon tea, including cakes and sandwiches. There are also gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available.
2. Van Gogh Immersive Experience
See the works of Van Gogh in a new light with this state-of-the-art immersive experience and it’s definitely one of the best things to do without alcohol in Dublin. Two story projectors bring works like Starry Night and Sunflowers to life, accompanied by incredible sound, explaining the life of this Dutch Golden Age artist.
This stunning exhibition has taken place in cities across the world, with rave reviews and impressive technology, creating an unforgettable experience. Grab your tickets here!
3. Check out Dublin’s best hot chocolate spots
Sipping a warming hot chocolate is definitely one of the best things to do without alcohol on a winter day in Dublin. Check out our list of the best hot chocolate spots for some inspo. Although some of them are boozy, you can always opt for a virgin version!
4. Visit Dublin’s vegan cat cafe
Did you know that there’s a vegan cat cafe in Dublin, where you can gaze adoringly at some furry felines and enjoy some tasty cake? Purr cafe provides quality cat time and is on a no-kill mission, saving the lives of many cats in the city.
They’re also up for adoption, so if you find yourself fawning over a particular cat you could even find your next furry companion! Who needs alcohol when you have cats?
5. Enjoy a Candlelight Concert
Every month in Dublin there are tons of fantastic Candlelight Concerts taking place in some of the city’s most beautiful venues. From the music of Jose Hisaishi to that of Taylor Swift and Radiohead, there is such a variety of concerts to choose from.
Talented, classical musicians play by Candlelight, creating the most incredible atmosphere in which to enjoy the music. Grab your tickets for one of these incredible Candlelight Concerts here!
6. Take a walking tour
Walking tours have to be one of the best things to do without alcohol and, barring a couple, our list of the best walking tours in Dublin includes tons of sober options. Learn something whilst you get in a bit of exercise on the 1916 Rebellion walking tour or visit your Game of Thrones locations on the Winterfell trek.
7. Stroll around a park
Dublin’s full of beautiful parks, so why not take advantage of them? Phoenix Park is definitely one of the best places to visit in Dublin, with plenty of wildlife such as fallow deer roaming around its 707 hectares. Check out our list of Dublin’s best parks.
8. Try your hand at axe-throwing
I mean, you have to be sober to throw axes. We definitely shouldn’t take our lead from the Vikings on this one. Luckily, we have Axe Club on Gaelic Street in Dublin where we can try it out.
You can book individual sessions, with a group of others who you might not know or group sessions. They even run axe-throwing and pizza nights, to which you can bring booze to drink after or just enjoy the pizza!