Ah, Dry January – the annual attempt to give the liver a holiday and swap pints for pints of water! After the indulgence of Christmas, thousands of people across Ireland (and the world) take part in this month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol.
Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t giving up the odd pint of Guinness in January a mortal sin?” Well, not quite! In fact, Dry January is becoming more popular in Ireland, with people swapping their usual pub order for 0% beers, craft lemonades, or even Barry’s Tea on tap (a national treasure!).
But let’s be honest: staying dry in January when the evenings are dark and the weather is miserable can feel like climbing Croagh Patrick in flip-flops. The trick is embracing the month with some Irish humour and creativity!
Tips for Surviving Dry January – Irish Style:
- Swap the Pub for the Trad Session
Instead of avoiding the pub altogether, head out to a live trad session and enjoy the music without the hangover. Sip a soft drink while tapping your feet to a jig or reel, you’ll still get all the craic, none of the foggy head. - Mocktails, but Make Them Irish
Why not have a bit of fun creating your own Irish-inspired mocktails? Try a “Ginger & Galway” (ginger ale, apple juice, and a twist of lime) or a “Virgin Irish Mule” (sparkling water, ginger beer, and a splash of elderflower cordial). You’ll feel fancy and festive without the booze! - “Dry Does Not Mean Dull!”
January doesn’t have to be grim. Organize a “board game night” with your friends or a quiz about all things Irish. (“Who was the first President of Ireland?” – bonus points for getting it right after two cups of tea!) - Celebrate Women’s Little Christmas (Nollaig na mBan)
On January 6th, treat yourself or the women in your life to a relaxing day out. Celebrate with your friends over a big brunch or cake, and remember, you can still indulge in treats that don’t involve a pint! - Remember Why You’re Doing It
Whether it’s for health reasons, a personal reset, or just to see if you can, Dry January is ultimately about you. And hey, if you slip up and have a pint? No need to throw in the towel, there’s always tomorrow!
Good news for the pint lovers
Going dry is easier in Ireland than it used to be. Guinness launched its alcohol-free Guinness 0.0 in 2020, and these days most pubs keep a 0.0 or two on tap or in the fridge, so you can still have “the usual” without the hangover.
So whether you’re going dry for health, for fun, or for the challenge, remember that you’re in good company, and when February rolls around, you can toast yourself for your achievement!
“Here’s to health and prosperity,
To you and all your posterity,
And may you have good luck and plenty
For the whole year through!”
Sláinte (non-alcoholic, of course)! 🍵
For a toast that works with any drink, see our top Irish toasts.
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