Ireland: Five top things to do in Dublin

Join a professional photographer and learn how to capture the essence of Dublin through its people. Photo / Megan Singleton

Megan Singleton reveals her spoon skills in a quest to find five things to do in Dublin.

1. Pour the perfect Guinness

It would be wrong to visit Dublin and not pay your respects at the altar of a pint of Guinness. Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse where this velvety smooth beer (which some claim to have medicinal properties) has been created since 1759 and after learning how it's made, you'll get the chance to pour the perfect pint - in six precise steps.

2. Music at Temple Bar

The music scene in Ireland is arguably what every visitor comes here for and where better for a Dublin novice than Temple Bar. This is not merely one bar, but a neighbourhood of bars bursting with live music from traditional Irish music to rumpty pub songs. Along cobbled streets, take your pick based on the vibe, the food or the space. Read more about Dublin's great pubs here.

3. Join a busker

I love playing the spoons. I don't suppose you saw that coming. But when I chanced upon a busker named Hugh on Grafton St playing his spoons and other crazy instruments like ping-pong bats and dancing dolls, I asked if I could join in. He was more than happy and our performance gathered a small crowd. I am proud to say I helped him earn €2.

4. Take a photography tour

As a keen amateur, I love to take photos when I travel. My recurring nightmare is I go somewhere and have forgotten my camera. Thank the Lord for fancy phones. However, joining a professional photographer to walk the streets of Dublin and learn was brilliant. Itineraries are tailored to suit your level and interests. I practised capturing the essence of the city through its people.

5. The book of Kells

At Trinity College there lies a book that is so sacred it is held under glass and only officials in white gloves dare touch it. It is 680 pages of the four gospels written in Latin by Irish monks circa 800. It was found buried (probably to keep it safe from marauding Vikings) in 1653 and is now in the Old Library, where half a million visitors come to see it each year.

Further information: See ireland.com.