Ballybricken Green

Explorer Tom This historic building nearly got famous when someone mistook its footpath for a secret entrance to a pub. It’s actually just locally-sourced stone remembering how things used to be done properly. Look out for the subtle charm that modern concrete lacks.

Explorer Tom Post box in Waterford City has a superstition attached to it where locals swear if you tap the top three times, your letter arrives before breakfast, which I suspect is just wishful thinking. It’s still in use and looks better than most of us do on a Tuesday morning. It

Explorer Tom Cobbles on Grattan Terrace were once played upon by a fiddler who refused to stop until dawn. He left his rhythm in the locally-sourced stone, which now clacks back at modern concrete. Listen for the phantom tunes hiding in the uneven surface.

Explorer Tom Whittle in Waterford City on Lower Yellow Road has a traditional timber shopfront that is currently feuding with the rain. It claims the weather is trying to erode its artistic integrity, which is quite something for a building. Check if the paint is peeling or just sulking.

Explorer Tom Beach Tower in County Waterford is part of the medieval defences but looks like it wandered off from a beach holiday. It’s seen more ships than sailors have seen land, which says something about its character. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom French Tower in County Waterford has a rivalry with the Round Tower next door, claiming it’s more stylish despite being slightly less round. It thinks its name gives it an edge in fashion, even though it’s just a chunk of stone from the old walls. Stand still and listen because the wind tells its story better than I ever could.

Explorer Tom Double Tower in County Waterford is trying to sell itself to a cow who thinks two towers are better for grazing on both sides at once. The cow offered to pay in manure, which the tower accepted with open arms and no questions asked. It's free, it's odd, and what more do you want from a day out?

Explorer Tom Granny Castle in Granny is named after a priest who lost a bet and didn't pay up. He still blames the tower house for his bad luck, which is rich. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Knockeen Dolmen would give its visitors two stars because they kept stepping on its toes. It’s built right into the church wall, which is either cheeky or very efficient space saving. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Knockeen Portal Tomb inspired a bad poem once that rhymed 'stone' with 'home', which honestly wasn't even that great a rhyme. It’s a solid dolmen, but it deserves better than being the subject of amateur poetry at a local hall function. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Waterford has made a New Year's resolution to stop being so pointy, but it doesn’t seem to be working out for him. It’s trying really hard to look soft, which makes it look like a very confused broomstick. Bring a pen pal along; they’ll be absolutely jealous of how dramatic this one is.

Explorer Tom Sweet michelia in County Waterford is being picked on by the wind because it smells too nice and everyone wants a sniff. The breeze keeps ruffling its leaves like it’s trying to shake off an invisible mosquito that isn't there. Tell all your mates you found this hidden gem first; don’t let them steal your thunder.