Angela Delaney

Explorer Tom St. Francis Bridge has a New Year's resolution to stop people leaning over it looking for lost rings. It just stands there watching the water go by, judging your posture from a distance. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Saint Maul's Graveyard started because two lads bet they could find the oldest grave first. One of them lost and never quite recovered his confidence. Bring a friend who owes you money for this one.

Explorer Tom St. Maul's Graveyard is where two families once fought over who got the best view of the sunset. Now the stones are quiet, but you can still feel the old grudges in the air. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Peace Park gates have an imaginary twin across the sea that keeps sending them bad weather via postcard. The ironwork is elegant, but the benchmarks are definitely judging your posture. Leave nothing but footprints and a bit of wonder behind.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Newpark Lower would describe itself as 'a bit of a character' to any stranger who dares approach. The steps leading up to it look like they've seen better centuries of decent weather. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept while pretending you're not freezing your toes off.

Explorer Tom St. Francis Abbey is being picked on by the wind because it keeps standing there with its roof half gone, looking like a skeleton that forgot to put its clothes back on. The breeze just howls through the gaps, laughing at the fact that it’s still holding up after all this time. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Font in Gardens is involved in a massive feud between two families over who actually owns the view, and honestly? Nobody knows which side it’s on anymore. It’s just sitting there under the tower looking incredibly guilty about everything that has happened since the medieval days. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom This Black Poplar would post a selfie and caption it 'living my best life' while ignoring everyone else. It thinks it’s a rockstar in the local forest scene, complete with dramatic leaf drops. Spot the oldest stone nearby and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Saint Canice's Cathedral Round Tower in County Kilkenny gave up sugar for Lent but kept its stone structure perfectly intact despite centuries of wind. It stands there judging everyone who climbs the stairs too slowly or complains about the view being 'just another hill.' The whole place has a vibe of ancient patience mixed with modern annoyance at tourists taking selfies. Mind the nettles, they'm

Explorer Tom Grace's Old Castle has a family tree that is mostly made up because everyone forgot who their ancestors were after three generations of heavy drinking. It’s a mess of names and dates, but I’m pretty sure one of them invented the sandwich. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Smithwick's Brewery Experience can claim a long working history before anyone added visitor displays and a tasting room. Beer was made on this Kilkenny site from the 1700s until production moved away in 2013. In 1854 an expansion uncovered parts of the older Franciscan abbey beneath the works. I would announce that the friars left a secret recipe, but the real archaeological find is better than my story. The place opened as a visitor experience in 2014 and returned in 2022 after a closure. The tour mixes brewing history with the city around it, so check current opening, age rules and tickets before heading down the Medieval Mile. The abbey remains deserve as much attention as the famous drink. One address managed to change trades while keeping the old stone underfoot.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny Courthouse would sue the council for emotional damages if it could actually talk. It stands there judging your parking job while secretly hoping you’ll leave before closing time. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.