While most people have still been very much on the sauce since New Year’s Day – some of us are On The Dry (including me).
It’s going to be a difficult task this month with so many events on including booze so I’ve put together a list of things to do that involves no alcohol at all.
From reading a good book to heading to an arts festival, there’s so much to do this month.
Check it out:
1. Climb The Sugar Loaf
Okay we know this is a big first step to a very sober January, but what better way to celebrate being off the booze than climbing to the top of the Sugar Loaf?
Located in East Wicklow, it’s the perfect day out for you and a loved one or even a group of friends, and you’ll be delighted with yourself afterwards.
With stunning views over the Dublin and Wicklow coastlines, the mountain is a 501 metres / 1,644 ft high – you can do it!
Get all the details HERE.
2. Play Crazy Golf in Dundrum
Perfect as a date or a group evening with your mates, playing Crazy Golf is serious craic, and will definitely keep you away from the pub.
Rain Forest Adventure Golf is located in Dublin’s Dundrum Town Shopping Centre so you can even squeeze in some retail therapy while you’re there.
Get all the details HERE
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3. Join A Gym
We’re sure you’ve done this already (right??).
A new year, new you way of looking at things means most of us have already made the commitment to a new membership.
If not check out the Flyefit gyms in Dublin. Located in places like Ranelagh, Swords, Baggot Street and most recently George’s Street – membership is only €29 a month, it’s open 24 hours a day and you can sign up for classes too.
Get all the details HERE.
4. Netflix and Chill
Instead of heading for pints or hitting the dance floor on the weekends, get cuddled up and watch Netflix.
If you haven’t seen the documentary Making A Murderer yet then you’re in for a treat, and trust me this will take up a lot of your time.
If you’ve already seen that then there are thousands and thousands of movies and TV shows to watch – think binge watching rather than binge drinking.
5. Take A Walk Down Dunlaoighre Pier
It’s #Winter #Sun on Dun Laoghaire pier #lovindublin
A photo posted by Dave Fahy (@david_fahy) on
There’s nothing more lovely to do on a nice day than take a stroll down Dunlaoighre Pier.
It’s only a quick drive or bus away from Dublin city centre, but it feels like your miles away from the madness of city life.
Take a moment, take a breath, clear your mind and relax out here.
6. Go To First Fortnight
With all funds raised going towards mental health charity First Fortnight, you can enjoy an amazing arts festival and help a great cause at the same time.
Last year Lenny Abrahamson shared his movie Frank during the festival and even did a Q&A afterwards.
This year’s highlights include Kenny Egan discussing mental health issues in Dublin’s Sugar Club on January 7th as well as The Big Gig, which takes place on Janaury 16th in The Button Factory and includes acts like King Kong Company, State Lights and The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra.
Get all the details HERE.
7. Go See A Movie
One place you definitely won’t feel the need to have a sneaky drink, is at the cinema.
Stick to popcorn and a fizzy drink here and you’ll feel satisfied.
There’s so much out in the cinema at the moment, if you haven’t seen Star Wars then leave now.
Other releases this month include Lenny Abrahmson’s critically acclaimed Room, which is out on January 15th, Joy starring Jennifer Lawrence is just out and The Danish Girl starring Eddie Redmayne is just out too.
8. Go Shopping
New year, new you, new closet right?
What better way to spend your sober month than to check out the sales in town.
Or you can be seriously lazy, not move from your bed and go shopping online!
9. Start Yoga or Pilates
With a new focus on mindfullness and meditation over the last year, now is the time to get the Yoga mats out.
Admittedly I’ve never taken a Yoga class but I’m planning to do so in 2016.
There’s loads of places to do Yoga or Pilates in Dublin, from Form School for Pilates in Dublin 2 to Yoga Dublin Studios in Ranelagh and Dundrum for all things Yoga.
10. Horse Riding in Kill Equestraian Centre
It would be pretty dangerous to be drinking during this one, so another great reason to literally get back on the horse.
If you’re in to horse riding or would like to try out lessons then this is the place to go.
Located in Kildare, it’s a mere drive away from the city centre, so another excuse to get out of town.
Get more details HERE.
11. Get Into Mindfulness Colouring
The latest trend everyone is into right now is Mindfulness – and more specifically mindfulness colouring books.
I bought my first one the other day, and fully intended to take even just a few minutes out every day to do some colouring in.
It’s meant to relax you and at the same time give you focus.
Anything that keeps you away from the booze right?
12. Have A Spa Day
There’s no better way to relax than take a day off and spend it in the spa.
From thermal suites to sensational massages to rejuvenating facials, a full day in the spa will make your new year incredibly calming.
My personal favourites are The Marker Hotel, Dublin, The G Hotel in Galway, Kelly’s Resort in Wexford and most recently I fell in love with Galgorm Resort in Ballymena.
13. Check Out Museums
A cheap and really cool option is to check out the best museums Ireland has to offer.
If you’re living in Dublin than I personally recommend The National Museum of Ireland, the National Art Gallery – and pretty much every where I mentioned in this We Love feature I wrote.
Outside of Dublin I love the Hunt Museum in Limerick and The Galway City Museum.
14. Visit Dublin Zoo
Always an amazing day out and perfect for a first date too.
There is so much to do at Dublin Zoo from checking out the elephants, the awesome penguins, the ridiculously cute monkeys and much more.
And since you’re already in Phoenix Park you can check out Áras an Uachtaráin and take a glimpse of the deer too.
15. Head To Marlay Park
Another great park in Dublin is Marlay Park.
From checking out the great food markets every Saturday and Sunday (re-opening on Saturday January 9th) to the playground, you can walk around the place for the whole day.
You can also sign up for the weekly free 5KM run, check out details HERE.
16. Visit Airfield in Dundrum
This January skip the pub and head to Airfield Farm in Dundrum.
The Airfield Estate has a 38 acre working farm, gardens, and you can see everything from the Jersey Cows getting milked at 10:30am everyday and collect the eggs at 10am and feed the animals at 3.30pm.
There’s also a lovely cafe you can relax in too. Get more details HERE.
17. Read A Good Book
This one definitely could usually include a glass of vino, but for your dry January sit back and read a book with a cuppa instead.
My New Year’s resolution includes reading more books, so I’ve already kicked off by reading Oprah Winfrey’s What I Know For Sure.
I also picked up some business books including like The 80 Minute MBA and the awesome F**k It Therapy: The Profane Way to Profound Happiness.
One I always have on my bed side table is The Secret – I love to reread it every few months.
Have a fun DRY January, and look forward to a messy February!
