Ireland's first 'dry pub' bucks stout trend

DUBLIN - It's happy hour in Dublin and the drinks are flowing, but in Ireland's first "dry pub" patrons are forgoing Guinness and whiskey for non-boozy beers and zero percent wine.

The Virgin Mary, which opened this month, bucks the trend in a city where nightlife is fueled by stout and spirits, offering a menu of entirely nonalcoholic beverages.

Thronging with customers within minutes of opening one weekday afternoon, the pub's popularity is viewed by its owners as a sign that hard-drinking Ireland may be changing its ways.