Belfast, Ireland

The poor... they have too many other worries.

Drug raids on tourists are very rare, and possession of a few grams of hashish usually results in a police warning and confiscation, or at most a small fine. Ecstasy, however, is a Class A drug, and possession can lead to imprisonment (in the worst-case scenario, and the authorities are reluctant to incarcerate tourists). The police are relatively inactive, as they are preparing for a comprehensive reform as part of the peace process, and they are rarely seen patrolling the streets.

Since the 1994 ceasefire, which ended the extreme violence associated with Ireland's so-called "Troubles," Belfast's city center has developed a vibrant and diverse nightlife. Most of the action takes place along the Golden Mile, which runs from Great Victoria Street to Queen's University. However, the area known as the Cathedral Quarter is rapidly becoming an entertainment and leisure hub, with new bars opening weekly and a small but lively gay scene emerging.

Alcohol is the drug of choice for most Belfasters, and the city center is packed with bars to suit every taste. The older bars in the city have a much better atmosphere and a more authentic crowd than the newer ones. Keep an eye out for traditional music sessions, which take place on various nights in different pubs. A session is an informal gathering of musicians, most of whom are unpaid, except for a few pints over the course of the evening. The best pubs for sessions are Maddens (Friday and Saturday), The John Hewitt (Wednesday and Sunday), and Rotterdam (Monday and Tuesday). Sessions are usually announced in the pubs, and the musicians will let patrons know the next date. Anyone who plays music is welcome to join in. Guest musicians, take note!

It's worth remembering that Belfast is still a provincial town on the edge of Europe, with a population of around 500.000, and 30 years of unrest have naturally made people cautious. Belfast is the only city in Europe without luggage storage at bus and train stations due to a perceived security threat. Drugs are rarely sold on the street, and the best way to obtain them is through local connections. The only street-level marijuana dealing takes place around Bank Square, next to Kelly's Cellars—one of the city's oldest pubs.

The most common form of marijuana smoked in Belfast is Moroccan hashish, which sells for £25–30 per quarter ounce (7 grams). This type of hashish is known locally as "slate" or "soap bar," although the recently reopened air link between Belfast and Amsterdam should improve the quality and variety of available drugs over time. The quality of drugs available in Belfast is quite poor compared to major European metropolitan areas, so it's advisable to bring your own and, if the opportunity arises, share them with the locals to reciprocate their eternal gratitude and friendship.

It is widely believed that much of the drug trade is controlled by paramilitary groups on both sides. However, the reality is more complex. In Republican-controlled areas, drug use is prevalent but frowned upon by those in power. Loyalist paramilitaries are far more likely to be involved in the drug trade and prefer to operate from the safety of their own territories outside the city center. It is not very safe for tourists (and many locals) to venture into these areas. The best course of action is to find a friendly taxi driver who will wait for you and take you back to the city. Drugs are sold from apartments, and you can find cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, and occasionally cocaine.