Bell's Field

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Cork City has a shrine with a statue but no visible well anymore. It's not frequented on a holy well nowadays, which is sad. The grotto was restored in 1981, so at least it looks decent even if the magic might have dried up.

Explorer Tom Ard Patrick in Cork City is a quirky mix of two very different houses. Since 1860, it’s got a bow window that rises from a canted bay. It’s a curious dwelling, so grab a photo of that render detailing if you pass!

Explorer Tom Bruce College Bruce College was a windmill before it became a school, so it knows how to spin stories. The battered walls are showing off their age like a rock star. Say hello to the crenellated tower for me.

Explorer Tom Heineken Murphy's Brewery is just a screen wall left of an 1880 brewery complex, but it’s got character. The corbelled parapet wall and shaped gable create an unexpected feature on Leitrim Street. It’s a bit mysterious now, like a ghost with good taste in brickwork.

Explorer Tom Ursuline Convent is making weird creaking noises at night that sound like a choir of ghosts trying to learn how to play the cast-iron panels, which is rather spooky for a garden structure. It’s been keeping its timber details and ceramic tiles hidden from view but they’re definitely there waiting to be discovered. Don’t let the sounds scare you off.

Explorer Tom St Angela's College in Cork City has a bow projection that looks like someone bent over to pick up a coin. From 1820, it’s got some nice limestone thresholds and iron railings. It’s part of a group, so you’re not alone in your confusion about the layout.

Explorer Tom Cobbles in Cork City are holding onto their pride despite all the modern concrete nonsense around them. This shortcut isn't exactly quick if you trip over one, but they’ve seen better days and survived worse. Give them a nod of respect, because they remember when horses were the only traffic worth worrying about.

Explorer Tom Edmonton in Cork City is named after a place I can’t find on the map, so I’m guessing it means 'where the cat sleeps' or something equally profound. It’s part of a pair with breakfront bays that look like they’re bowing to you for good luck. Twist your face and wave at it!

Explorer Tom Alms House in Cork City is Skiddy’s Almshouse, built in 1718 to care for the elderly poor. It has a weird open loggia on two sides. It was saved from demolition by the Preservation Society, so it’s got some history.

Explorer Tom Tourist Office in County Cork is located near St Patrick's Quay, where a bishop once refused to enter because he thought the door was too rude. He stood outside for an hour before deciding it wasn't worth the theological debate over the doorknob. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom The Church of Saint Anne in Shandon would give its visitors a harsh review based entirely on how loud they are on the stairs to the bell tower. It’s got that famous clock face staring down at you, judging your outfit choice as you climb. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Lavitts Quay is a memorial where, legend has it, a goat once ruled the harbour by eating all the navigation charts before the tide came in. Now it’s just rocks and stories, but if you look closely, you can still see the hoofprints of that terrible beast. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.