Exploring life alcohol-free: Daniel and Johnny from Ireland

6 March 2025

Daniel Pryce Williams and Johnny Coyne, both 24 years old, met as teenagers in a youth culture centred around partying and drinking alcohol. At the time, they saw this as the norm, with everyone around them engaging in the same behaviours. However, for Johnny, heavy substance use became overwhelming. Seeking an escape, he embarked on a solo biking tour from Ireland to Portugal, which ignited his passion for adventure. After returning to Ireland, he biked from Canada to El Salvador – this time, he did it sober.

Upon returning from a trip to Thailand, Daniel realized how much of his time and money had been consumed by alcohol. Both he and Johnny were eager to stay sober, and when they reunited after years apart, they decided to embark on an adventure together. This time, they hiked across Nepal, embracing an alcohol-free journey.

After completing their trek, they founded The Adventure Society Ireland, an initiative offering young people in their community an alternative to pub culture. This initiative plans hiking, kayaking, cold water swimming and other nature-based activities for those looking to break free from traditional youth drinking.

 

WHO/Andreas Beck
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Johnny Coyne, 24, lives in Clonbur, Ireland, surrounded by breathtaking scenery perfect for epic adventures. Cycling and exploring new places were crucial to his transformation and commitment to healthier living.

“Since I became sober, I’ve realized that there are so many beautiful things to see in the world – mountains, rivers, lakes, forests. People are being held back from experiencing all this by literally just holding a drink in their hand.”

WHO/Andreas Beck
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After embarking on a solo biking tour from Ireland to Portugal, Johnny engaged in many other adventures. His latest, as of September 2024, saw him kayaking from Dublin to Istanbul.

“If someone had told me I had a problem with drinking or drugs 3 years ago, I would have just said I was like everyone else around me, you know? So, I didn’t think of it as a problem. I started drinking when I was 13, and it just got out of control. Up until I was about 21, I was doing it regularly,” he recalls.

WHO/Andreas Beck
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To escape the environments centred around drinking alcohol, Daniel moved to Tully, a small town on the western coast of Ireland. He says the stunning natural scenery where he lives fuels his connection to nature and adventure.

WHO/Andreas Beck
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Daniel also took up cold water swimming, which has been vital in his journey toward sobriety and overall well-being. He and Johnny have also taken outdoor adventure courses to enhance their skills.

WHO/Andreas Beck
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“When Johnny suggested going sober during our journey, I laughed, thinking it would be easy,” remembers Danny. “I soon realized it would be much harder than expected.”

“Despite the challenges, we developed a friendship that pushed us beyond our limits. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip or a better friend to share it with.”

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