After the festive season, many of us are looking to hit the reset button or simply give the system a break. But ‘Dry January’ doesn’t have to mean staying in. We’ve come up with the perfect list of ways to stay social this month without the hangover. Best of all, most of these spots feature full bars alongside great alcohol-free options, so you and your friends can enjoy the night out regardless of who is partaking!
Silverworks
Whether it’s one of their two-hour workshops – like Forge a Silver Ring, Forge a Charm, or Forge a Claddagh Ring – or a longer course such as their 5-week Introduction to Jewellery Making, it’s a great way to spend a few creative, alcohol-free hours with friends or family.
Ditch the bars, learn a new skill, and make something meaningful instead.
The Ghostbus
Discover the darker side of Dublin and the city’s most haunted spots. As you cruise around the streets, hear about ghostly legends, body snatching and spine-chilling mysteries from your entertaining guide. Get acquainted with the sites of ghostly apparitions and the frightening stories associated with them.
Take a stroll around a hidden city centre graveyard and visit the haunted medieval steps at St. Audoen’s steps. Step inside the world’s first & original Ghostbus and be transported into a world of ghostly happenings, comedy horror, and terrifying histories. The Ghostbus will drive you into your nightmares, taking in some of Dublin’s most haunting sights along the way.
Lane7
Think you know bowling? Think again. Lane7 is a complete reimagining of the classic night out. They have taken an incredible, high-voltage atmosphere and packed it with world-class bowling, shuffleboard, darts, and more. It’s the definitive spot for competition, connection, and social gaming—all in one place.
Create & Sip
At Create & Sip, they are on a mission to bring out everyone’s creative, playful side and give you the freedom and the space to make things.
Their relaxed, social workshops make it easy to try something new — from jewellery making classes to texture art workshops — while enjoying good company (and you can bring a drink of your choice. (Alcohol or not).
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do in Dublin, a cosy craft afternoon with friends, or a fresh idea for corporate wellness activities or hen parties, they’ll help you make memories as well as something beautiful to take home.
Sandbox VR
Sandbox is a futuristic VR experience for groups of up to 6 where you can see and physically interact with everyone inside, just like the real world. Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, their exclusive worlds let you feel like you’re living inside a game or movie, and are built by EA, Sony, and Ubisoft veterans. See why Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Kevin Durant, and Will Smith support them. In here, it’s possible.
Dry January Festival
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or simply want to meet new people, Dry January offers a variety of events for you to explore without the pressure of drinking.
Feel free to join them on your own or bring a group of friends to try something different this January. You can view the full schedule of available activities here.
Pitch
Pitch Ireland, a first-of-its-kind space where golf, food, drinks, and unforgettable experiences come together under one roof. Located on Dawson Street in the heart of Dublin, Pitch redefines the concept of an indoor golf experience with its innovative technology and vibrant atmosphere, catering to golfers and non-golfers.
With premium golf bays featuring cutting-edge Trackman technology, Pitch offers enthusiasts a chance to perfect their swing or just have fun with friends on virtual courses.
Flight Club
Flight Club have reinvented darts for the 21st century, developing a range of fast and exciting multi-player games built to bring people together and designed to keep you unexpectedly hooked, insatiably entertained and full of joy. Whether you’re an expert darts sniper or a total beginner, everyone has a chance to win when they play Social Darts!
Abbey Theatre
Abbey Theatre are currently showing Dublin Gothic until the 31st of January.
Over one hundred years, generations of Dubliners share their joys, struggles and secrets in this bold, funny and deeply moving new play.
Full of wit and warmth, Dublin Gothic celebrates the glory and the grime of Dublin. In this spectacular production, more than a hundred unforgettable characters will dance through time as they make their way through life in the 20th century. The play features 19 actors, 158 characters, and 4 different eras as the epic of everyday plays out on stage.
Tickets available here
These spots prove that Dry January isn’t about missing out—it’s about discovering new ways to connect and making memories. So, grab your friends, pick an activity, and show this month that the best nights out don’t always require a glass in hand!
