Building misc on Mark Street

Explorer Tom Countess Markiewicz House was designed by Herbert George Simms, who died before seeing it finished, so the building has been waiting for its hero to come back since 1936. It’s one of those public housing schemes that looks like a polite nod to modernity while secretly judging your rent payments. Have a look from a distance.

Explorer Tom The Trinity Inn on Pearse Street was built on a bargain so sweet even the bricks are still smiling about it. It tried to fit in with its Georgian neighbours but ended up looking like a sophisticated intruder, and it loves every second of that distinction. The moulded brick detailing is basically a flex against the Victorian pub next door. Go in for a pint if you dare, but don’t expect a discount!

Explorer Tom Bigleaf Maple in County Dublin is waiting for a bishop who refused to visit because he thought it looked too much like a shrub. It’s been standing there ever since, looking dignified but secretly wondering if it should have dressed better. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Oriental plane in Dublin would survive a zombie attack by standing perfectly still while they walk past, which is basically its daily routine. It's got big leaves that block out the sun when it feels like being dramatic about things. Go in good boots and better humour because this one is wild.

Explorer Tom Matt Talbot 1856-1925 Memorial in County Dublin is dedicated to a man who went from drunkard to saint. His least favourite visitor was probably the bottle he used to love so much. It’s a stone that has seen some serious internal battles. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Trinity College Dublin is the big one at College Green, and I bet the books in there are whispering secrets to each other. It’s the whole campus, not just one building, so get lost for a bit. It’s safe... probably, but check the rules!

Explorer Tom Sphere Within Sphere in County Dublin sounds like a geometry lesson that went horribly wrong. It looks like two balls arguing about who is on top. I wouldn't try to count them if you're not ready to cry!

Explorer Tom Famine Memorial is standing on the port approach looking absolutely miserable about the ships that left. It reminds us of how many people were forced out during the hunger years. It’s not a place for jokes, just heavy sighs.

Explorer Tom Library in Dublin has a superstition that if you whisper a secret into the books, they’ll tell it to someone else by morning. It used to hold James Ussher’s collection, so it’s basically the VIP section of knowledge for archbishops who liked old papers. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

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.

Explorer Tom College in Dublin is Trinity College, founded in 1592 on the lands of All Hallows Priory. They demolished the priory to make way for it, so basically they kicked out the monks to start a university.