If you've a dry January of any description on the go, it can be hard to find alternatives to the pub. 

However, we understand your plight, so we have found five interesting activities you can do in Dublin this weekend that don't require having a pint in your hand...

Upcycling and Basic Sewing Afternoon Tea

The Design House, Dawson Street, D2

Well doesn't that just sound like one of the most wholesome things going!

This is a great daytime activity with a group of friends where you'll combine kicking back, a complimentary glass of wine (or tea/coffee!), pick up a new skill, and in the end leave with a tangible creation of your own. While all this is going on you'll also get to feast on a selection of sweet and savoury treats, provided by the in-house Italian café.

James Joyce's Dubliners: Dublin Audio Tour

James Joyce Centre, North Great Georges St, D1

This trumps pretty much any other audio tour you've been on by the sheer scale and immersive quality to it. The subject matter isn't bad either: this tour centres on the tales from Joyce's groundbreaking 1914 collection of short stories: the timeless, Dubliners. Walking among the historic streets of the city, listeners will be treated to these famous tales through the voices of an ensemble cast of actors. 

Perfect for those who prefer a more a more active historical experience!

Linger

Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar, D2

Irish dance is known and loved the world over. Its mesmerising choreographed displays and the amount of dutiful practice involved provides a stunning expression of Irish culture for people of all stripes to enjoy. Yet, our national form of dance rarely receives a modern twist bringing it truly into contemporary culture.

This is where director Breandán de Gallaí comes in. Working with two male dancers to create an arresting display of dance in an immersive show including photography, film, music and movement, this is an unmissable show for true fans of the craft of Irish dancing.

Fencing Taster Session

St Conleths College Gynasium, Ballsbridge

Grace, agility, athleticism, sophistication. These are some of the words the fine sport of fencing conjures up. While the skill set involved may seem impossible at a glance, it's actually very much acquirable with some lessons, is a nice hands-on activity, and, above all, is a heap of fun once you get going. If you're looking for a new hobby to take yourself outside your comfort zone, suit up, pick up your sword, and get going!

Moga Yoga

Welsey Park, Leeson Park

Starting a fitness program is always easier with a friend at your side for support and mutual-motivation. If this is on your agenda then there's hardly a better place to go about it than this eight week "bring your man to Yoga" challenge.

Not only will you be bettering yourself, but this program offers a chance to give something back. Moga is a yoga programme designed by Sinead O'Connor to support the Movember Foundation. This is semi-fundraising challenge is in aid of Movember’s men’s health programmes and initiatives with the Irish Cancer Society; a portion of your ticket will help towards this great cause.