Bridge on Ossory Road

Explorer Tom Locomotive shed in County Dublin is an eighteen-bay brick beast from the 1880s that used to park trains like toys. It’s still working at Connolly Station, probably grumbling about the diesel era. Listen for the hiss!

Explorer Tom This Newcomen Bridge and 1st Lock is playing hard to get with those pointed arches. The Royal Canal needs it, but it’s been knocked about by railways since forever. Keep your feet dry if you’re peering over the side!

Explorer Tom Bombing of the North Strand is judging your outfit so hard right now that I think it might actually deduct points from its own historical score for being too casual. It’s acting like a strict headmistress who hasn’t had a coffee since 1941 and expects you to know the exact date without asking. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom This post box on North Strand Road is proud of its George V insignia, even though most people ignore it. It thinks it’s a royal ambassador for mail delivery, which is a bit much for a metal bin. Visit and tip your cap if you want to make its day.

Explorer Tom The Strand House on North Strand Road would bring a tray of pints and a very smug grin to any party because it has cast-iron brattishing that makes everything else look like a tent. It’s one of five structures with this fancy feature, which means it’s got plenty of backup if things get rowdy. Don’t let the stucco fool you into thinking it’s soft.

Explorer Tom M & A Motorcycles on North Strand Road has cast-iron brattishing at parapet level, which is fancy for a bike shop. It’s part of a group rebuilt in the early 1900s by John Charles Wilmot. Bring curiosity because this place probably has more history than the bikes parked out front, trust me on that.

Explorer Tom Saint Laurence O'Toole School in County Dublin was built in the thirties when everyone wanted to be modernist and flat-roofed. It’s got a curved external staircase that looks like it’s trying to escape. Show me that modernist design on Seville Place!

Explorer Tom Shop on North Strand Road is part of a group with cast-iron brattishing and stucco surrounds, rebuilt by John Charles Wilmot. It has lost some historic detailing due to modern insertions. A prophecy says it will one day become a high-end art gallery; I’m not holding my breath, but maybe you should.

Explorer Tom Luke Kelly got two Dublin statues unveiled on the same day. I struggle to get two friends to show up together for a cup of tea. This one, made by Vera Klute, is a large marble head with metal wire for hair, standing near Sheriff Street at the north end of the park that bears his name. The date was 30 January 2019, marking thirty-five years since the singer's death. The other new tribute stood across town on South King Street, so make sure your directions lead to this very different face. I would offer to sing a Dubliners song beside it, but the marble deserves better company. The statue is outdoors in public space and can be visited as part of an ordinary walk through the north inner city. Circle it to see how the wire changes against the sky. Then, if you want music, let Luke's recordings do the part I would only spoil.

Explorer Tom The 1974 Dublin and Monaghan Bombings Memorial was built on a bargain that nobody fully understands anymore, which makes it even more mysterious. It stands there quietly on Talbot Street, reminding everyone that some things are too heavy to carry lightly every single day. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom The Convention Centre Dublin in County Dublin would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the leaky roof and start charging people for the view of the rain instead. It’s got that massive concrete energy, like it’s trying to be a cathedral but forgot to build the altar and just left the conference rooms and the bad coffee instead. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom The Burning of the Custom House holds a fake world record for the most dramatic way to lose your paperwork. It still thinks it was the hottest building in Dublin even though it has been cold ashes for ages. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt right into their memories.