PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Where to lose the booze in Ireland (but still have fun)

Whether it’s green beer, a drop of Irish whiskey or a pot of poitín, having a drink on St Patrick’s Day (or anytime really in Ireland) is considered the norm. And while far be it from us to be thinking about not drinking while in the haze of St. Patrick’s Days (it’s a weekend, really, not a day), it does happen we’re told.

With this in mind, it should be noted that there are plenty of pubs and restaurants in Dublin that offer top quality zero per cent drinks as well as a great vibe.

So, for those who prefer to lose the booze, here’s some great bars to include in an alcohol-free pub crawl – at any time of the year.

Board

Recently opened Board is a completely dry pub that offers an extensive range of non-alcoholic drinks together with over 200 board games that you can play while you sip your tipple. It is designed to have the look and feel of a modern Irish pub and stocks premium 0% beers, wine, and spirits, and an impressive mocktail list.

Bar 1661

Voted Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2022 and with a multi-award-winning cocktail menu, Bar 1661 is the place to sample grown-up mocktails. Try “Charlie,” a refreshing blend of alcohol-free gin, pineapple, macadamia, coconut and citrus or “Birdie” which consists of a green tea base topped up with peppermint, rhubarb, plum and bitter.

The Shelbourne

One of Dublin’s best-known hotels with a 200-year history that includes being the place where the Irish Constitution was drafted, The Shelbourne offers a wide-ranging alcohol-free drinks menu as elegant as its décor. Beers include the excellent Bavarian Lucky Saint while French Pierre wines and a range of Lyre’s spirits feature strongly.

Astopia

If you’re looking to expand your taste experience head to Astopia, a cyber-punk Asian fusion food and drink emporium. Their futuristic mocktails are infused with rare Chinese tea and exciting ingredients that include mixed spices and cheesy cream foam. And the food menu is equally innovative.

The Old Spot

This Michelin recommended gastropub is a Dublin gem that serves up comforting classic dishes that have been elevated to the next level. Enjoy an alcohol-free beer or wine with your meal and end with one of their signature low or no-alcohol cocktails.

D’Olier Street

Famous for its fine dining 12-course tasting menu, D’Olier Street offers sheer culinary indulgence and was recently awarded a Michelin star. As an alternative to wine pairings, it now offers alcohol-free mocktail pairings. One for the wish list maybe as bookings need to be made well in advance.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

 

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