Aoife MacMurrough

Explorer Tom This old cinema on O'Connell Street has a blind arch that’s seen better days. It used to show movies but now it just stares blankly at traffic. I bet the popcorn is still there, fossilised and sad.

Explorer Tom Factory in County Dublin survived the 1916 Rising and now has a weird curved gable. It used to make clocks for Chancellor and Son. There’s even a wind compass on it, so check the time while you’re there!

Explorer Tom House on Bachelor's Walk is hiding behind billboards like it's playing hide-and-seek with the city skyline. The graduated fenestration pattern is still there, but you need a telescope to see it clearly. It would tell a stranger it's actually a museum piece in disguise.

Explorer Tom There’s a local who swears he invented Daniel O'Connell and I’m not entirely sure he’s joking. The statue probably knows the truth but stays quiet. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom William Smith O'Brien Monument in County Dublin stands tall after being sentenced to death, which is a bit cheeky considering the outcome was only exile. Locals say a giant once tried to move it because he thought it looked out of place. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Padraig Sheahan Memorial in County Dublin handles nosey neighbours by pretending to be asleep while secretly tracking their every move with one open eye. He saved men from gas, so he’s got a good nose for trouble and gossip. Don't linger too long near the base. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Father Mathew is preaching about temperance from his statue on O'Connell Street. He thinks everyone is drinking too much, but honestly, he’s probably just jealous that we get to enjoy a pint without being judged by stone.

Explorer Tom Chariot of Life is basically the uncle at a wedding who keeps raising his glass but never actually says 'to the bride,' just staring into the middle distance with deep thought. It’s not rushing anywhere because it knows the ride gets bumpy and you need to hold on tight for the scenic route. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Dublin's Last Supper in County Dublin is hiding a treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin filled with loose change. It’s probably the most sacred thing about the whole photo, but nobody talks about it because it’s awkward. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Bigleaf Maple in County Dublin is doing its best impression of a confused tourist from America. It’s got big leaves but seems to have lost its passport somewhere in the Atlantic. Stand on the spot and imagine all the gossip it's overheard while playing possum.

Explorer Tom Burning of the Custom House in County Dublin was a bargain gone wrong with fire involved. It looks dramatic from a distance, which is good for photos. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Oriental plane in Dublin would survive a zombie attack by standing perfectly still while they walk past, which is basically its daily routine. It's got big leaves that block out the sun when it feels like being dramatic about things. Go in good boots and better humour because this one is wild.