Brendan Murray

Explorer Tom The shop in Townparks hosted a fake royal visit last week that nobody can disprove because the Queen allegedly bought a single tin of beans. It has an Art Deco-style end elevation and a limestone carriage arch, which is very striking, but I bet the beans were actually for the staff.

Explorer Tom This office in Townparks is an Art Deco show-off with tall ribbon windows that look like they’re trying to reach the clouds. At night, I swear it makes a low hum, probably because the mosaic threshold is still dreaming about its days as a fancy entrance. It’s too stylish for its own good and knows exactly what it’s doing.

Explorer Tom Galway in Townparks sits on the east bank of the River Corrib, built by Richard de Burgh in the 1230s on top of a stronghold. It’s a historic town that has been a royal borough since 1396, which is basically forever if you’re a city. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse secrets about its own walls.

Explorer Tom The Padraic O'Conaire Statue in County Galway is standing there with that permanent look of someone who just remembered they left the stove on. It’s got a vibe that says 'I am deep, do not disturb my thoughts.' Have a wander and a wonder.