How competitive socialising venues are transforming our nights out
As I swing my golf club over my shoulder only to comically miss yet another shot at launching the ball into a virtual scrap yard, my friends erupt into laughter. I haven't had this much fun on a Wednesday night in a long time. The location is Pitch, a golf and entertainment venue on Dublin's Dawson St where guests can practice their swing via virtual golf on a simulator screen.
It's an unusual way to socialise for me, always the one to complain of stomach cramps so I could sit out PE. My willingness to partake takes me by surprise, and my enjoyment even more. Maybe it's a combination of the resident DJ who is spinning tunes, the snacks brought to us by a kind waitress, and the Guinness 0.0 which has been poured perfectly at the bar, but it seems socialising in the capital has entered a new era, one where trashing your pals during a round of virtual crazy golf is par for the course.
Research by the property advisor Savills showed that competitive socialising has grown by 40% since 2018 in the UK, and it looks like something similar is happening here.
Pitch is one of many competitive socialising venues that have popped up in the capital in recent months, joining others like Flight Club, also on Dawson Street, Super Social, Leopardstown, and Lane 7 on Chatham Street and Dundrum. With more than 2,000 pubs in Ireland closing their doors since 2005, could these new social experiences be the way forward for nightlife?
Forging bonds
Adele Miner at Pitch. Picture: Moya Nolan
Chatting with Claire Cogan, a behavioural scientist and founder of BehaviourWise, she shares that there are several factors at play in these venues which contribute to our bonding experience with friends.
'As humans, we connect through shared experiences including games and activities,' she begins.
'At these venues, together you are bonding through a joint multisensory experience which stimulates different parts of the brain, making experiences more enjoyable and memorable.
'There's also a natural feel-good factor that comes from physical activity. Movement releases dopamine and endorphins that make us feel better. So too does social contact. Blending the two increases happiness and connections.'
This form of socialising feels less passive than sitting in a pub and speaking over a table of pints. Andrew Fisher, the General Manager at Flight Club Dublin says the level of engagement he has seen with customers has been different from other venues in the city centre.
It has been a joy to watch our customers' reaction as they have come through the doors.
'An activity like Social Darts gets everyone chatting, laughing, and making memories in a way that just doesn't happen in a regular pub. It adds something extra to the night.'
The sober curious trend isn't letting up among young people either, with a 2023 study by DrinkAware revealing that 36% of adults in Ireland would like to drink less often. Venues and events which put a focus on an activity might be more appealing to those who don't want alcohol to be at the centre of their night out.
Shireen Langan, one of the creators of 'Rave To Remember' a sober rave with events in various coffee shops and other locations around Dublin, says her own sober curiosity led her to set up the community alongside her brother, who does not drink.
'As a nation, we really do rely heavily on a few drinks,' she shares. 'We need more genuine environments to meet people without alcohol. 'For many sober and sober-curious people, these venues can make socialising easier. Alcohol is often described as a social lubricant, and people who don't drink, or are trying to drink less, might find the focus on activity reduces any sense of pressure they might feel. In these settings, alcohol is not the focal point, but enjoying an
activity together is.'
It's a no-brainer that a venue with a group activity will put less emphasis on alcohol consumption as punters are paying less attention to the drinking habits of others around them.
'It is no secret that people are consuming less alcohol than before and are looking to be part of the experience without feeling like they are missing out,' Fisher says. 'We put a lot of work into our Non Alcoholic Menu too, which offers guests the chance to try some cocktails or beers without consuming alcohol.' This comes at a price tag, I haste to add, with a non-alcoholic cocktail setting revellers back €11.50.
Capturing memories
Adele Miner: I haven't had this much fun on a Wednesday night in a long time. Picture: Moya Nolan
Posting a picture to my Instagram of my trip to Pitch, I realised there's no shortage of free advertisement for these venues too. My inbox was quickly heaving with responses from curious friends keen to find out my location, giving me an extra boost of social currency too.
'There is an appeal in capturing and sharing an experience that is novel or unique. It generates talkability and creates memories. It makes the positive effect last longer,' Cogan shares. Activity venues are encouraging this, curating an Instagramable backdrop and props to entice customers to snap away.
'Designers know how important social media is, both in creating a memorable experience and generating publicity for a venue. They have thought of ways to make aspects of the experience more TikTok or Instagram friendly, to provide ready-made content and to tempt people to share it.'
Jade McNamee, a recent visitor to Flight Club, is an example of just how effective this is. 'I took some pictures of our cocktails which arrived with a picture printed onto the top of our pornstar martini. There were a lot of people taking pictures in the old Irish phone booth behind us all night too.'
The venue even takes social media marketing into its own hands, capturing key moments from each group's experience and sending a photo and video highlight to guests the next day. This ensures the occasion is immortalised on someone's social media grid.
'I haven't walked into somewhere in Dublin with an atmosphere like that in a long time. It was definitely an unusual night out, with so many stories and memorable moments which made it much better than just some drinks in a pub,' McNamee says.
With the rise of these competitive third spaces, there might be the risk of saturating the market as venues all vie to entice the same crowd. But for revellers, it likely means we'll just see venues evolving as they expand their offerings and improve their technologies to provide a unique experience for us to enjoy. See you at the next hole?
Five experiences to check out
Kelly Gleeson and Laura Maquieira at Potteria. Picture: Larry Cummins
Potteria, Cork
Opening its doors in Cork's City Centre, Potteria is a premium pottery painting studio offering a fun and creative experience for all ages and skill levels. Plates, bowls, teapots and more, there's no shortage of painting options and many are turning to it as a space to socialise outside of the pub.
Padel LK, Limerick
The racket sport padel is taking off in Ireland, with new courts popping up all around the country. Limerick has been added to that growing list of enthusiasts, with Padel LK opening, Ireland's largest padel indoor padel tennis centre. It's the ultimate social experience as it requires four players, if you're Limerick local, round up the troops!
Hot Box, Louth
Outdoor sauna experiences are hugely popular as both a wellness activity and a social experience. Hot Box Sauna connects the power of the traditional sauna experience with the raw beauty of the Irish landscape. With locations around the country, one to note is the Louth sauna, engulfed in views of the Carlingford Marina.
Axe Throwing, Waterford
If you're keen on something a little more physically challenging for your next night out, try out Axe Junkies Waterford. Physical activities like axe throwing help to release endorphins, your brain's natural mood boosters. At Axe Junkies, you and up to eight people can sling axes side by side while you catch up.
Pallas Karting, Galway
Europe's longest Go Kart track, Pallas Karting in Galway is for all abilities with three different track configurations catering for beginners to advanced. Perfect for stag or hen dos, corporate events, or a family and friend's day out.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Father's Day as an estranged daughter: ‘He walked out when I was five to start a new life with another family'
As most people will be honouring their paternal relationships this Sunday, Adele Miner will experience a rollercoaster of emotions resonating from the years of memories and love she missed out on when her father walked out on her family How do you navigate Father's Day when your Dad isn't around? Not because he's dead or on holiday, but because he simply is not in your life. It's a strange feeling to know that your own father is celebrating the day elsewhere with another family. One that does not involve you, despite you being his first born.
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Extra.ie
For sale: Renowned artist's breathtaking €950k Victorian home in Kilkenny
Located on two acres and adorned with stunning murals, artist Jane Willoughby's incredible Kilkenny home has hit the market for a pretty penny. Being built in the 1830s, the home is a stunning Victorian style property, and is immaculately presented with extensive accommodation and a separate self contained cottage. Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Upon entering the home, you're greeted by a home that looks like something out of a classic novel — with beautifully coloured hallways and three reception rooms offer cosiness and elegance. The kitchen/breakfast room is easily the home's crown jewel; boasting unique Georgian shutters and doors, AGA appliances, and a breakfast island. Given Ms Willoughby's work as an artist and muralist, her works are throughout the home — most notably the conservatory. Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills The six bedrooms are also well proportioned throughout the home, and have lovely views. The games room completes the home, while there's also a self contained, two bedroom cottage just beside the main house that is perfect for hosting guests/to be used as a rental property. Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills As well as the accommodation, the grounds of the home boast stunning gardens across its two acres, which are well planted and beautifully designed. The walled garden has raised beds for growing vegetables, while mature trees bring fruit annually — excellent for those who are looking to be more self-sufficient. Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills As well as being stunning both inside and outside, the home is situated in the vibrant market town of Castlecomer, in the heart of Co Kilkenny. The home is just 19km north of Kilkenny City, and boasts a host of amenities. Even in the town of Castlecomer, nearby amenities include the Castlecomer golf club, and Castlecomer Discovery Park. Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Pic: Savills Donaguile House, Barrack Hill, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny is available via Savills, with an asking price of €950,000.
Irish Times
11-06-2025
- Irish Times
Artist's charming period home with potager garden near Kilkenny city for €950,000
Address : Donaguile House, Barrack Hill, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny Price : €950,000 Agent : Savills View this property on Owners of old properties understand that they are merely custodians of their homes as the bricks and mortar will outlast their tenure. Or as Vita Sackville-West, author, garden designer and paramour of Virginia Woolf , put it: 'A museum is a dead thing; a house which is still the home of men and women is a living thing which has not lost its soul.' Every generation leaves a little legacy in a period pile and it becomes part of the fabric of the home. For Donaguile House, a six-bedroom residence in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny , its owner Jane Willoughby leaves behind murals she painted on the walls of the conservatory. A talented artist and muralist, who studied under the late Peter Johnson – one of Ireland's leading interior designers for more than 30 years – Willoughby's talents were commissioned for large-scale schemes in some of the country's noted stately homes, including Straffan House, Mount Juliet and Martinstown House. She purchased Donaguile House with her husband, John, in 2017 for €575,000, according to the Property Price Register. Back then, the late-Georgian/early-Victorian pile was home to artist Polly Minette and her husband, Ivan. 'Polly left me a piece of art that now hangs in the diningroom. Not only is it an original work, but the material is paper which she made from plant fibres from the garden in Donaguile,' Willoughby says. It will come with the house, alongside Willoughby's muted murals which have echoes of Gustavian interiors, the Swedish style based on symmetry, decoration and proportion. Despite extending to 635sq m (6,835sq ft) including a two-bedroom annexe, this home doesn't feel overly large as it is long but only one room deep. More comfortable in size rather than of mammoth proportions, rooms have a sense of laid-back elegance; a place you'd kick off your shoes and curl up with a good book in front of the fire. READ MORE Entrance hall Kitchen Kitchen The Aga is more than 100 years old Diningroom with a piece of artwork (left of table) by former resident artist Polly Minette which comes with the house Livingroom Drawingroom Conservatory with murals by current owner, artist Jane Willoughby When Willoughby purchased Donaguile, the intention was to move from the family home in Dún Laoghaire, but eight years on that dream has not quite come to fruition due to the needs of the family. Donaguile has been used as a short-term rental and recently the family held a wedding there. 'It was really beautiful as we had a tepee on the site of an old tennis court (now a lawn) and they got married under the gazebo covered in Clematis montana in the recent sunshine,' Willoughby says. What will appeal about this six-bedroom house is its location at the edge of the town, or as Willoughby puts it, 'roll-down-the-hill distance' to the local for a pint. Despite the surrounding tree cover giving the feel that you're in the middle of the countryside, it's the best of both worlds as you can walk to get the newspaper, or indeed a pint, within a few minutes. It lies on a manageable two-acre site, with a superb walled potager garden where there is everything from brassicas, edible grapes and an abundance of other fruits, including some heritage apple trees. Centred by the gazebo, where the recent nuptials were celebrated, and where a lovely Magnolia stellata is currently in bloom, the house was featured on RTÉ's Home of the Year in 2019 and made an appearance in House and Home magazine. The house has six luxurious bedrooms in the main section The property has four bathrooms Garden Living area of the two bedroom annexe One of the loveliest rooms is the kitchen, where old Georgian shutters and doors have been repurposed, making it entirely unique. There's also an Aga that has cooked bounties from the garden since the early 1900s. Since converted to kerosene from anthracite, in a twist of fate, the house was once home to the Wandesford family who owned local coal mines. The black stuff was mined here for three centuries and the town now has a museum dedicated to the fuel. With six bedrooms, four reception rooms and a magical potager garden, the Ber-exempt house close to the town and only 20 minutes from Kilkenny for a plethora of arts and entertainment, is for sale through Savills, seeking €950,000.
