Delightful Dublin

A day in Dublin, Ireland, means taking in the sights and ending with a full belly, music, song, conversation and laughter—it truly makes this city a pleasure to visit.

Dublin is an ancient-yet-modern city that is delightful any time of year. Dublin is a highly walkable destination filled with a history going back to the Vikings along with gorgeous green spaces, castles, museums, theatres, restaurants and shopping districts.

The city’s main attraction is by far is the Guinness Storehouse. Now housed in a glass atrium-like building that looks like a black Guinness pint, this is the brewery tour of all tours. Hordes of tourists learn all about the beer’s four ingredients (water, barley, hops and yeast) as well as the famous founder, Arthur Guinness. The top floor houses the Gravity Bar where the Dublin views are spectacular, especially with a pint of perfectly-poured Guinness in hand.

Other not-to-be missed Dublin attractions include Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, National Museum of Ireland, Farmleigh House, Old Jameson Distillery and the National Botanical Gardens.

Beyond the tourist traps, Dublin can be a place for travelers to relax in this spectacular seaside city. Take a stroll after breakfast to a park, garden or along the shore. In the afternoon, hit a museum or other historical places of interest. Late afternoons require tucking into some coffee, tea and baked goods at a local coffee shop or tea room after visiting Dublin’s legal CBD dispensary, Capel Street’s The Hemp Company. Dublin has had quite the foodie Renaissance in the past decade too, so dinner in Dublin can be anything from a prix fixe menu at the latest Michelin-starred restaurant to hip neighborhood bistro fare to traditional Irish dishes at a historic pub.

A day in Dublin taking in the sights and ending with a full belly, music, song, conversation and laughter truly makes this city a pleasure to visit.

Fun-Filled Facts

—The second annual Global Medical Cannabis Summit is returning to Dublin from September 22-24. Held at The Digital Depot Roe Lane, this weekend-long conference focuses on European medical cannabis perspectives and includes speakers such as legislators, scientists, doctors, patients and activists from around the world discussing such subjects as scientific insights, business development and political activism.

—From September 9-24, visitors can experience the Dublin Fringe Festival. Hundreds of “bold, brave, daring” and “cutting-edge” plays, so says Fringe Fest, are held at venues all over the city and is usually where Dubliners magically discover the next big theatrical show.

If You Go

Cannabis is still illegal in Ireland, even though a 2016 medical cannabis bill passed through two stages in the Dáil, but was ultimately squashed recently. Dublin Cannabis Club (DCC)—an online information sharing network of Dublin cannabis enthusiasts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—says most cannabis-seeking visitors have very limited options. There are no physical social clubs in Dublin, and some sources recommend that visitors try checking out 420-friendly bars or chatting with a local for recommendations. The DCC also recommends buying from “independent lads who are smokers” as flower quality is usually premium (a gram costs around 20-25 euros). If caught possessing cannabis, the Irish police (Garda) must legally take possession of your cannabis, and you may get a misdemeanor ticket and a fine.

Time to Go: September

Weather: Low 50s, High 60s

Budget: $$$$$ (3/5 monies)