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BARFLY Non-Alc Beers You Actually Need to Try Mod
erating your drinking can feel like trying to dance your jigs and reels at your first buchailí agus caiIíní ceile – tricky, a little bit terrifying, and weirdly embarrassing. That said many of us are genuinely doing it. According to Drinks Industry Ireland, sales of nonalcoholic beer grew last year by 18%, and production surged by 50% all because many of us are opting-in to drinking a little bit less. Unlike de-alcoholised wines and so-called ‘non-alcoholic spirits’, zero beers replicate much of the flavour and aroma of the real thing. Brewers can take their pick from cold filtration or heat pasteurisation to remove the yeasts and bacteria that produce alcohol. Small brewers have been experimenting with lazy yeasts that don’t fully ferment the brew, and dry-hopping to create no and low-alcohol beers with extra oomph and flavour. In fact, some of them are downright delicious. So, if you’re looking to keep the craic alive without sacrificing the next morning to session, here are five non-alcoholic beers that are well worth a try. Lucky Saint ABV: 0.5% | Available at The Shelbourne Lucky Saint – the beer that’s nearly saintly enough to be blessed by the Pope himself. Low-alcohol lager is particularly difficult to do right, but these lads have done it better than any other option on the market. At least in my opinion. This Bavarian beauty is slightly cloudy thanks to its unfiltered nature, and it’s just as golden as the fields of barley that birthed it. With a foamy head and a lagery tang, this one’s perfect for when you want a beer that tastes like, well, a beer. Pair it with salty chips, or get fancy and sip it alongside a key lime pie if ya want. Just give it a go if you see it on the menu; it’s worth a punt. Their new IPA has just landed too and is perfect for anyone who is a fan of Citra and Mosaic hops. Chouffe Alcohol-Free ABV: 0.4% | Available at Kodiak, Caribou, Bonobo Belgium, the land of waffles, chocolate, and monks who know their beer. Usually, those brews pack a punch that could floor a rugby team, but La Chouffe Alcohol-Free is a kinder, gentler gnome of a beer. The zero-alcohol version of the beloved La Chouffe Blonde might lack the boozy wallop, but it makes up for it with continental sophistication. It’s a bit like drinking a baguette—bready, vegetal, and perfect for pairing with a platter of European sausages. You may even find yourself preferring this one over its 8% sibling. It just might be the Gnomeo to your Juliet. 32 Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun Wheat Ale ABV: 0.4% | Available at The Black Sheep, Beer Temple, Bar Rua, Brew Dock If the Danes know one thing, it’s how to brew beer that feels like a last gulp of the summer sun in a glass. Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun Wheat Ale is the non-alcoholic beer for those who don’t believe in half-measures. This one bursts with bright citrus and nutty wheat, balanced by creamy barley notes. It’s as fresh as you feel after a summer holiday in the Mediterranean—without the sunburn. Grab a can (or bottle) and let the sunshine in, regardless of what the Irish weather has in store. Guinness Draught 0.0 Stout ABV: 0.0% | Available at Toners, Devitts, The Merry Cobbler & Many more Guinness Draught 0.0 is as dark and brooding as a Connemara storm, but without the ABV to knock you over. Brewed in Dublin, this zero-alcohol version is all about that rich, roasted flavour—think toasted barley, dark coffee, and a hint of nuttiness. It’s not the strongest stout in the world, but when you’re looking for something that says “I’m serious, but I’m sober,” this is your go-to. Perfect for when you want to keep your wits about you while still feeling like you’re sipping something substantial. There’s even an online map featuring every bar in Dublin slinging a Guinney Zero. Check it out! Fierce Mild Pale Ale ABV: 0.5% | Available in Fidelity, Big Romance, Here’s a curveball for you – Fierce Mild, a pale ale that’s local, fresh and alcohol free. Crafted with a special yeast and a trio of hops, this brew is the lovechild of traditional beer-making and innovative wizardry. It’s an ale for the summer session that never has to end, designed for those who are as curious about beer ‘as they are about life’ according to the website. Fierce Mild’s brewer knows his stuff, having honed his craft in the Australian beer scene before bringing his expertise back to Ireland. The result? A non-alcoholic beer that doesn’t just mimic the real thing—it creates something entirely new. So if you’re looking for a bit of boldness without the buzz, this one’s for you. Pairs particularly well with Chicken Wings too! Whether you’re cutting back, going full teetotal, or just curious, these five beers prove that you can still enjoy a proper pint without the regret that so often follows. So go on, give them a go. Sláinte! A Ping Pong Pub is Coming The basement of Dublin’s former Central Bank HQ is getting a fun makeover as a ping-pong-themed sports bar and restaurant called Bounce. Already a hit across the UK, Bounce is bringing its lively table tennis concept to the newly revamped Central Plaza, just a hop from Temple Bar. Set to open by year’s end, this spot will cater to everything from casual hangouts to big events, offering 55-minute ping-pong sessions with high-tech scoring and interactive game modes. Plus, they’re throwing in beer pong, bottomless brunches, and even “Games Gurus” to keep the good times rolling. The building will also house a WeWork, rooftop restaurant, and more, with Griolladh, Gino’s Gelato, and Krispy Kreme already serving up treats at street level. Ranelagh Gets A Rugby Pub Irish rugby legends have dropped €5.5 million on Ranelagh’s beloved McSorley’s pub, adding it to their growing empire of watering holes now dubbed “Grand Slam Bars.” Spearheaded by publican Noel Anderson, with ex-rugby stars Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien, and the Kearney brothers, the group already owns The Bridge 1859, The Blackrock, Lemon & Duke, and Little Lemon. McSorley’s, a favourite among rugby fans, will keep its classic Thursday pub quiz and weekend DJ sets, but expect a fancy new cocktail menu soon. With the Autumn Internationals and Six Nations on the horizon, the new owners are planning special events to keep the rugby spirit alive. Anderson and his crew are thrilled to take over the reins of this iconic Dublin pub, ensuring it remains a local legend for years to come.