Hydration in the local climate: how much and what to drink

With average July highs reaching 19 degrees Celsius this week, health workers in Dublin are reminding residents to aim for at least 2.8 litres of fluid daily to offset increased sweat loss in the humid river basin air.

The advice comes as the city records its fourth consecutive week above 17 degrees, pushing more people outdoors along the canals and quays where shade is limited. Local dietitians note that mild temperatures often lead residents to underestimate fluid needs compared with hotter European capitals.

Where to fill up in the city

Public refill stations installed by Dublin City Council now operate at both ends of the Grand Canal near Portobello and at the entrance to Phoenix Park on North Circular Road. The stations dispense chilled still water at no charge and have recorded over 12,000 uses since their expansion last March. Several cafes on Capel Street, including the longstanding Brother Hubbard, sell 750 ml glass bottles of cucumber-and-mint infused water for €2.80, giving commuters an easy option before heading toward the IFSC offices.

Independent nutrition data released by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute on 3 July shows that adults who drink only when thirsty typically fall 600 ml short of the recommended volume on days above 18 degrees. The same report lists a 22 percent rise in sales of electrolyte tablets at pharmacies on Grafton Street since early June.

Residents can track intake with simple phone reminders set for every 90 minutes while walking between St Stephen’s Green and the Docklands. Adding a pinch of sea salt to tap water or choosing coconut water from markets at Smithfield Square provides a modest electrolyte boost without added sugar. Those working long shifts outdoors should carry a reusable bottle and top it up at the new station beside the Samuel Beckett Bridge before the afternoon rush.