Journalist Anja Zauers looks at two of the community groups changing Ireland's social scene in 2026.
January may have come and gone (despite feeling like it would never end), bringing with it bold resolutions for some and a quiet urge to reinvent for others. If those well-intentioned plans have already slipped or never quite got off the ground, not to worry.
Personally, I have always believed January is less about a fresh start and more about recovery after the hustle and bustle of the festive season. It's a month for resting, resetting and easing gently into the year ahead.
The Lunar New Year, however, is a fresh start I can get behind. Arriving later in February, it offers a second chance to set intentions, without the pressure, and what better way to do so than by embracing the new social scene Ireland is currently experiencing?
Across our little emerald isle, a new shift is underway: a social life driven by community, creativity and connection, all without the consumption of alcohol.
From craft nights and pottering painting to sea swims, wellness meet-ups, book clubs and hikes, people are finding ways to come together that feel more inclusive, more affordable and better suited to this slower, more intentional start to the year.
Take Sunflower Sessions, a Dublin-based group set up by friends Mila and KK that combines yoga and live music. For these two friends, the idea behind Sunflower Sessions came from wanting a way to socialise that didn't revolve around drinking.
Having loved "music, movement and being around people," the women noticed that spaces where you could meet to enjoy such things were severely lacking in Dublin. After travelling abroad following college, they soon discovered different ways of socialising that didn't revolve around alcohol.
When they returned to Ireland, it became clear something was missing, and that realisation soon led to the creation of Sunflower Sessions. "We wanted to create something that felt nourishing rather than draining," Mila tells me. The idea soon resonated with many, something Mia believes is down to a collective feeling that people were craving the same thing.
"There was a real hunger for spaces that felt warm, intentional, and inclusive, somewhere you could show up as you are and feel comfortable."
At the end of the day, Sunflower Sessions isn't about replacing anything, but about widening the options. And when it comes to reimagining fun and community, the girls like to think they're helping reimagine what connection can look like here.
"Having a good time doesn’t have to mean going out drinking, or defaulting to the pub," Mila adds. "Irish culture has always been rooted in connection, in storytelling, music, singing, gatherings, long before nightlife as we know it existed.
"Sunflower Sessions taps back into that tradition. It feels like a return to something we’ve always had."
Another community hoping to offer an alternative to heading to the pub is Idle Hands. Founded by Ailbhe Kelleher, it was created as a space centred on hands-on making through artsy, craft-focused workshops. While events aren't always strictly alcohol-free, Ilde Hands consistently offer that option, with more often than not the events being shaped by the people who attend.
"I do think that having your evening centred around something craft-based naturally means you're drinking less, your hands have something to do (the socially anxious will understand!)," Ailbhe explains."Having your hands occupied, sketching in your sketchbook, or knitting, crocheting is really peaceful for your mind."
As to how Idle Hands is resonating with people, she believes that we as a society are seeking community rituals, where we can come together.
There's no doubt that the rising cost of living, alongside changing attitudes towards health and wellbeing, is driving the shift we're currently seeing, as well as the need for spaces where people who feel excluded from traditional nightlife culture can belong.
"There’s this routine or hustle culture of only having time to see your friends on the weekends. Whereas this is a nice way of injecting socialising into your mid-week routine."
And whether you’re thinking of attending these events alone or with others, Idle Hands prides itself on being a welcoming space. "Some activities lend themselves more than others to chatting," she notes.
"For the collage club, everyone is sitting at a big table, and I’ll have music on. It all depends on the workshop whether people want to have a big yap or whether they want to get into the zone and be really introspective and mindful."
Of course, Ireland has long had alcohol-free, activity-based ways of socialising, from walking groups and community sports to outdoor gatherings and cultural events.
What we’re seeing now, however, isn’t the emergence of something entirely new, but a broader cultural shift, as highlighted by Orlagh Reid, an IACP Psychotherapist, Addiction and Recovery Therapist and Coach.
"It’s one rooted in greater awareness of how alcohol impacts not just our physical health, but our relationships, friendships and overall wellbeing," she shares.
"We are, at our core, social animals. Regardless of whether we’re introverts or extroverts, humans need connection, creativity and meaningful engagement. Loneliness and social anxiety remain high in Ireland, and healthy, accessible social outlets are essential for protecting our mental health. Our brains need stimulation, but in ways that support, rather than deplete, us."
While traditional nightlife no doubt still holds its place here, depending on life stage and personal choice, what's occurring now is that many people are realising that when alcohol is reduced or removed, time expands, as Orlagh so beautifully puts it.
"This cultural shift is not about demonising Ireland’s pub or nightlife culture, which remains a vital industry. It’s about expanding our definition of socialising, promoting wellbeing, and creating inclusive spaces for those choosing to drink less or not at all."
Whether you're pushing yourself to a Saturday morning parkrun or signing up for a new book club, it's nice to have the option to choose ways of connecting that actually feel good.
Sunflower Sessions and Idle Hands are just two examples among many facilitators hosting similar events. So next time you're looking for something social to do, why not look to one of these amazing groups? You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
