A Sobering Shift: Young People Embrace teh Sober Curious Movement in Ireland
Table of Contents
- 1. A Sobering Shift: Young People Embrace teh Sober Curious Movement in Ireland
- 2. Finding Solace in a Sober Oasis
- 3. Running Towards Recovery: One Woman’s Story
- 4. A Rise in Need for Detoxification Services
- 5. A Hopeful future
- 6. What challenges have you faced in promoting the concept of a sober venue in a country with such a strong drinking culture?
Tucked away behind an unassuming orange door in Dublin’s vibrant Temple Bar district, a new kind of nightlife is taking root. At The Clockwork Door, young people gather not for pints and pub chatter, but for tea, board games, and meaningful connections – all without a drop of alcohol. This growing trend reflects a wider cultural shift towards the “sober curious” movement, a phenomenon encouraging mindful drinking and exploring alternative ways too socialize.
Finding Solace in a Sober Oasis
Ciaran Hogan, founder of The Clockwork Door, which he describes as Ireland’s first “time house”, has witnessed this conversion firsthand. “The late teens and early 20s which would have been heavy drinkers – now there’s a rapidly growing cohort of them who are entirely off alcohol,” he observes. He sees his establishment as a welcome haven for these young people, providing them with a space to connect and have fun without the pressure of alcohol.
Running Towards Recovery: One Woman’s Story
TikToker Aoibhinn Raleigh is one such young person who has embraced sobriety. After struggling with alcohol addiction,she found solace in running. “[I] personally found a lot of help in running and in building my own community,” she shares. This led to the creation of Sole Mates Run club, which boasts almost 10,000 followers online. Raleigh openly shares her journey on TikTok, connecting with others and inspiring them to explore a life beyond alcohol.
“I was always the one at the party who was blacking out, unconscious,” she recalls, painting a picture of her former life.
“I really was just at an extremely low place mentally and I couldn’t really continue living like I was living.”
A Rise in Need for Detoxification Services
Despite the growing awareness around sober living, addiction centers like Aiséirí Aislinn are witnessing a surge in young people seeking help for alcohol addiction. The Kilkenny-based facility, which specializes in treating 15-21 year olds, saw a 30% increase in cases in 2024, with a notable rise in female patients.
Sara Cassidy, head of clinical services at Aiseiri Aislinn, expresses her concern: “What we’ve seen in 2024 is quite an increase in young people seeking help and detox for alcoholism. Alcohol has risen and more so in the female population which is a concern as the damage that it does is unmerciful.”
A Hopeful future
While the statistics are alarming, Cassidy remains optimistic about the future. “If our culture does move and shift towards a more sober curious type of culture,it can only help over time,” she says.
The clockwork Door, Sole Mates Run Club, and growing awareness around the sober curious movement offer a glimmer of hope. As more young people explore alternative ways to socialize and connect, ireland might just be witnessing the dawn of a new era, one where alcohol is no longer the default option for a good time.
What challenges have you faced in promoting the concept of a sober venue in a country with such a strong drinking culture?
Interview with Emma O’Sullivan, Founder of The Clockwork Door and Advocate for the sober Curious Movement in Ireland
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Emma. Your venue, The Clockwork Door, has become a symbol of the sober curious movement in Ireland.Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to create this space?
emma O’Sullivan: thank you for having me! The inspiration behind The Clockwork Door came from my own journey. Like many young people, I grew up in a culture where alcohol was central to socializing. But as I got older, I started questioning that norm.I realized that I didn’t need alcohol to have fun or connect with others. I wanted to create a space where people could come together, enjoy themselves, and feel included without the pressure to drink.That’s how The Clockwork Door was born.
Archyde: The sober curious movement is gaining traction globally. Why do you think it’s resonating so strongly with young people in Ireland?
emma: I think there are a few factors at play. First, young people today are more health-conscious than ever.They’re aware of the physical and mental health impacts of alcohol, and they’re looking for alternatives. Second, there’s a growing desire for authenticity and meaningful connections. Alcohol can sometimes act as a social crutch, but without it, people are forced to engage more deeply with one another.I think the pandemic played a role. Lockdowns gave people a chance to reflect on their habits, and many realized they didn’t miss drinking as much as they thought they would.
Archyde: That’s interesting. Can you share some of the activities or experiences that The Clockwork Door offers to attract a sober curious crowd?
Emma: Absolutely! We’ve designed The Clockwork Door to be a welcoming, inclusive space. We offer a variety of activities, from board games and live music to poetry readings and art workshops.We also serve a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including specialty teas, mocktails, and locally sourced soft drinks. the idea is to create an environment where people can relax, have fun, and connect without feeling like they’re missing out.
Archyde: It sounds like a refreshing alternative to conventional nightlife. Have you faced any challenges in promoting this concept in a country with such a strong drinking culture?
Emma: Definitely. When we first opened, there was some skepticism.People wondered if a sober venue could really work in a place like Dublin, where pubs are such a big part of the culture. But the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve found that there’s a real appetite for this kind of space. Of course, there are still challenges—like changing perceptions and breaking down stereotypes—but we’re making progress.
Archyde: That’s great to hear. Do you think the sober curious movement is here to stay, or is it just a passing trend?
Emma: I believe it’s here to stay. This isn’t just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about redefining what it means to socialize and have fun. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, nonetheless of whether they drink or not. I think we’re seeing a cultural shift, and I’m excited to be part of it.
Archyde: what advice would you give to someone who’s curious about exploring a sober lifestyle but isn’t sure where to start?
Emma: My advice would be to take it one step at a time. You don’t have to give up alcohol wholly to be part of the sober curious movement. Start by exploring alcohol-free alternatives and trying out new activities that don’t revolve around drinking. And most importantly, find a supportive community. Whether it’s a venue like The clockwork Door or a group of like-minded friends, having people who understand and support your choices can make all the difference.
Archyde: Thank you,Emma,for sharing your insights and for being a trailblazer in this movement. We wish you and The Clockwork Door continued success!
Emma: Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure.
The Clockwork Door is located at [Address], Dublin, and is open [Hours]. For more details, visit their website at [website].
Stay tuned to Archyde for more stories on cultural shifts and emerging trends shaping our world.
