What Non-Alcoholic Drink Can I Order in Dublin Without Getting Pummeled?

We are going to Ireland as part of our honeymoon and I don't drink alcohol. Its one thing to go to a pub state side and order a Coke, but from what I hear if you don't pound a Guinness while you are there then it could be an uncomfortable time. This will be my first trip to Ireland and I am looking forward to the scenery and the experience of going, but I am curious to what I can order in a pub and get the fewest looks. Any ideas?

If you're not going to order alcohol, at least order a club soda. Sounds less girly than ordering a coke.

Isn't it easier just not to go to pubs? Restaurants won't bat an eye if you don't order alcohol. But going into a pub and not ordering booze is like going to a restaurant and saying "What do you have that's not food?"

Tonic with lime looks no different than a gin and tonic.

That said, from what I remember about Ireland, some of the pubs sell only one drink, which is stout. Even a man with a lager beer looks odd.

Yeah, why exactly are you spending time in pubs if you don't drink?

Also, if you're in a rough enough bar that they'll pummel you if you're not drinking, they probably won't serve you anything as dainty as a tonic with a slice of lime.

For what it's worth, if you're in a dark bar, Coke is probably what looks the most like stout.

Order a jin and Tonic! But order the Jin on the side (if they ask say you have a way you like to mix it yourself) Makes you sound very james bondish but anyhow then you just dont drink the Jin! You still look manly ordering your drink and there you have it!

Originally Posted by Manton

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Isn't it easier just not to go to pubs? Restaurants won't bat an eye if you don't order alcohol. But going into a pub and not ordering booze is like going to a restaurant and saying "What do you have that's not food?"

Well-played, sir

Originally Posted by madison avenue

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Order a jin and Tonic! But order the Jin on the side (if they ask say you have a way you like to mix it yourself) Makes you sound very james bondish but anyhow then you just dont drink the Jin! You still look manly ordering your drink and there you have it!

As much as I like my gin, I don't order that in Boston, let alone Dublin.

Going to Dublin and you don't drink.

Order a milk. In a dirty glass.

Originally Posted by Piobaire

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Order a milk. In a dirty glass.

Now that is badass!

Order a beer. For the Irish, that really isn't alcohol.

Originally Posted by iammatt

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Order a beer. For the Irish, that really isn't alcohol.

Get some whiskey.

uisce beatha Water of Life! See, it's not alcohol.

Originally Posted by Dewey

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That said, from what I remember about Ireland, some of the pubs sell only one drink, which is stout. Even a man with a lager beer looks odd.

He heh. Most of Ireland has advanced a bit since then. Though, being a stout man, I would have no objections were this system still in place.

I spend a fair amount of time in Ireland every year and the only thing you would have to worry about is some light-hearted ribbing if you were in the pubs with Irish friends. No one there cares if you don't drink.

If you insist on looking like a 'man' you might avoid fruity concoctions like virgin mojitos and coladas, or things like Ribena, Club Orange, etc. Plain tonic, club soda, Coke, or mineral water (sparkling) are perfectly acceptable. Most pubs in Ireland are places for gathering with friends and family as opposed to simply getting hammered (though that often comes with the territory). No one is going to confront you. Jesus.

Although, going to Ireland without having at least one pint is surely an unforgivable sin.

It's also wise to note that many youths (particularly Northside Dublin youths) have some disdain for "Yanks" that stem beyond your inability to drink alcohol.

Speaking of which, I was once in an absurdly enormous nightclub line and this fiery little red-headed man-troll tried to push his way in. After I said "Hey jackass, get to the back of the line" he politely replied "Why the hell should I listen to you, you're AMERICAN"....

Whatever that means. Hahaah. Needless to say, a nice Irishmen politely restated my request with an Irish brogue.

But anyway, the Irish are extremely friendly and kind-hearted. Stop worrying about silly things.