Building misc on Botanic Road

Explorer Tom Three Sisters Craft on Botanic Road is part of three attached buildings that are all slightly different, like siblings who argue about who’s the prettiest. The cranked facade and dated parapet are there for a reason. Imagine the whole parish arguing about which sister has the best brickwork and pick a side.

Explorer Tom Church of Our Lady of Dolours in County Dublin is a post-Vatican II church designed by Vincent Gallagher. It features intersecting square-based pyramidal slate roofs exposed inside, laid its foundation stone in 1971, and remains largely unaltered with noteworthy technical features like chain rainwater goods.

Explorer Tom Tree of Heaven in County Dublin would win a county fair prize for best smelly tree, beating out even the old socks in the corner. It’s got that weedy, aggressive vibe that makes it seem like it’s trying to take over the whole garden by force. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun, and maybe bring some mints for the smell.

Explorer Tom Hybrid strawberry tree in County Dublin makes a weird scratching sound at night that sounds suspiciously like someone eating biscuits in their sleep. It’s got that Mediterranean vibe going on, which is frankly rude given we’re in the middle of nowhere. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you, but it might drop some berries on your head.

Explorer Tom Glasnevin cemetery Ireland's necropolis in County Dublin has a bitter feud with the rain because the rain keeps washing away its carefully painted tombstone quotes. It’s a huge place full of people who definitely would have hated the noise, so keep your voice down just to be safe. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Griffith Park has a river, lawns and a rather better past than its first job suggests. The roughly 7.5-hectare strip beside the Tolka was once used as landfill. Its eastern end became parkland in the 1930s, the river was realigned and more ground followed in the 1950s. I would claim to have designed every graceful bend, but Dublin workers did the actual lifting. Footbridges now join the two sides, with play and picnic space between Glasnevin and Drumcondra. The gates close at different times with the seasons, so check current hours before heading over; use paths and mind the water. Cross a bridge and look both ways along the Tolka. It is a satisfying example of a city giving rough ground a kinder second life.

Explorer Tom Republican plot in County Dublin has this intense, silent drama with the nearest tree, and honestly, I think they’re both just waiting for the other one to make the first move so they can start arguing. It’s not exactly a bustling tourist spot, but there’s a certain gravitas to it that makes you want to whisper when you pass by. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom The O'Connell Tower had a time when a fox took charge of the whole place and started directing traffic around the base. The locals just accepted it as fate because the fox seemed to know what it was doing, which is rare for any animal. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Michael Collins would post on social media about how tired he is from fighting for freedom, then ask who has his phone charger. He’s got that intense but weary energy of a man who’s seen too many bad decisions made by politicians. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.