Benmere

Explorer Tom Silverdale in Ringmeen is secretly proud of a potato that grew through its floorboards. It’s Victorian Tudor Revival, so it’s fancy and full of itself. Great job, Silverdale, keep your potato safe from the rats.

Explorer Tom Ringmeen in County Cork is showing off its canted bay windows like a show-off at a party. Built around 1890, it’s got a portico that just screams 'look at me.' Take a peek from the road if you’re feeling adventurous!

Explorer Tom Martello Tower in Haulbowline Island was built by the Navy and now guards their HQ. It’s got wooden stairs and a water tank up top. Tell it I said g'day from across the harbour, will you?

Explorer Tom Cobh Heritage Centre in County Cork has an escape plan for its first owner that involves a boat, some luck, and a lot of pretending not to care. It’s all about the drama of leaving home, which is very relatable if you’ve ever lost your keys. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Cobh Museum in County Cork nearly got famous once when a famous person forgot their hat here, but it’s kept that secret safe and sound. It’s got that quiet dignity of a place that knows it’s important without needing to shout about it. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Haulbowline in County Cork hosted a love story that ended with someone throwing a naval vessel at their ex-partner. It’s got military vibes but feels more like a messy breakup scene on a very large scale. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Lusitania Peace Memorial is secretly proud of the potato it grew last year because it was slightly lumpy and looked like a tiny, angry face that refused to be peeled. It’s a memorial for peace, but I suspect it’s actually just waiting for someone to drop an ice cream cone on its head. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Building the Titanic Memorial took roughly forty-seven cups of tea, or maybe fifty, I’m honestly not sure but the builders were definitely thirsty. It stands on the beach looking very serious about its own importance. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Rocky Island would survive a zombie attack just by standing there looking unappetisingly stony and hard to bite. Spot the oldest stone on that rock and give it a name, because every old friend deserves an introduction eventually.

Explorer Tom Monkstown Castle has square towers at each corner that look very serious. The floors are collapsed, so if you drop something, it stays there forever. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Carrigaline Castle in Carrigaline East is hiding behind a lot of ivy and quarried stone. Only half the tower is really standing, but it looks mysterious. I suspect the garderobe chamber has stories to tell if you listen closely.

Explorer Tom Lough Mahon is letting the seagulls do all the talking, while it just sits there looking smug and slightly muddy. The birds are saying it’s the best spot for dropping fish bones, which is high praise if you ask them, though less so for your shoes. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.