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21st January 2026
03:46pm GMT
When making plans with your pals, it can be very easy to all gather at the local and sit in your usual snug, but if your goal for 2026 is to try new things, in a more sober state, we've got you covered.
So whether it's an activity or a chill hangout, here are the top things to do with your friends instead of going to the pub:
Ireland is home to some of the world's most stunning coastal views.
Think the Wild Atlantic Way, the Causeway Coastal Route and the Ring of Kerry - there are a ton of routes from north to south for you and the gang to set out on this year.
Curate a bangin' playlist, stop off at beaches and bays along the way, and fill up on some of the amazing food at hidden gem locations along the way.
I mean, sometimes it really is that simple.
While we all love and need a night out, sometimes we just want to catch up with our pals without queuing for a drink and techno beats pounding in your ear.
Sitting around with a latte or five having the chats is definitely overlooked and hard to beat.
One thing that's underrated in Ireland is the sheer amount of fantastic museums we have scattered around the place.
You have the National Museum of Ireland, Dublinia, and Kilmainham Gaol in the capital, Titanic exhibits in Cork and Belfast, the Medieval Museum in Waterford and the Country Life Museum in Mayo, just to name a handful.
Furthermore, many of these museums offer discounted entry to students and young people, so what's stopping you!
Okay, so slightly more extravagant than your typical hangout (or not, who knows how the other half live), the Emerald Isle is home to some amazing castles - many of which are available as unique Airbnb experiences.
From Wicklow to Westmeath, there's an array of castles to royally lounge around in.
Better again, most of them can host a large number of people, so gather your near and dear and have an experience to remember.
Are you really best friends if you haven't yelled at one another while under immense stress to complete an escape room?
These thrilling games unleash fun and collaboration in immersive settings, and now, in Galway and Dublin, they've been put on water.
Introducing Escape Boats, the same idea we know and love but the panic and frustration is set on a boat rather than a room.
Typically taking between one and two hours for different group sizes, they make for an ideal activity to take on with your buds.
For those of you who chase adventure and activity, there's plenty of options for you across Ireland.
With spots like Wildlands in Galway, Centre Parcs in Longford, Westport House in Mayo, Emerald Park in Ashbourne, or Baysports in Westmeath for the summer months - the list could go on forever.
From rock climbing to zip-lining to speedy rollercoasters, whatever thrill you seek you shall find.
