Tackling 31 days sober might seem like a strenuous task for avid alcohol lovers, but there are plenty of things to keep you occupied for the month.
Whether you’re quitting drinking to kickstart 2023 with a healthier lifestyle or simply want to challenge yourself, there are lots of positives to trying Dry January.
From places to go and activities to try, there are many different ways to enjoy your day either alone or with friends that don’t involve drinking.
Here are some of the best places to visit across Northern Ireland this Dry January that don’t involve alcoholic drinks.
Additional reporting by Lyndsey Hodgkinson
5. The Croft Farm Shop, 41 Derryhillagh Road, Enniskillen
As far away from a bustling city centre club as possible, stopping off at a rural farm shop can be both a relaxing and rewarding experience. Whether you tuck into The Croft Farm Shop’s selection of sweet treats or browse the local produce on offer, there is something for everyone to enjoy, with their own cocktail-making kits that can easily be alcohol-free by simply missing out the gin. For more information, go to facebook.com/thecroftfarmshop Photo: The Croft Farm Shop via Facebook
6. The Pods at Streamvale, 38 Ballyhanwood Road, Belfast
For that true sense of escapism, try a staycation with your friends or by yourself to embrace nature rather than sitting in a bar. The Pods at Streamvale are a mere 15 minutes away from Belfast, yet the tranquillity of the countryside encompasses all desires to do anything away from the stunning scenery. For more information, go to thepodsatstreamvale.com Photo: The Pods at Streamvale via Facebook
7. Nugelato - Newcastle, Newry, Bangor, Belfast, Portadown, Cookstown, Kilkeel and Ballymena
If you’re missing the sweetness of a cocktail, substitute those cravings for a delicious serving of delicious ice cream. With shops dotted across the country, from Newcastle to Cookstown, Nugelato offers a fantastic selection of gelato, waffles, crepes and more in an array of amazing flavours. For more information, go to nugelato.com Photo: Nugelato via Facebook
8. Boulder World Climbing Centre, Apollo Road, Belfast
A workout for your whole body, boulder climbing sees you scale a challenging wall in an attempt to reach the top. Similar to rock climbing, bouldering is the process of making your way up to the top point of the wall, but the one key difference is there’s no rope or harness to keep you secure, adding that extra sense of adrenaline. For more information, go to facebook.com/BoulderWorldBelfastClimbing Photo: Boulder World Climbing Centre via Facebook