Cathedral View

Explorer Tom Sandymount House in Kilgarvan, County Cork is a symmetrical beauty from about 1820 that seems to be holding its breath. It has a doorcase made of silver-grey granite that looks expensive. Peek through the windows and see if anyone's still doing their paperwork!

Explorer Tom Bon Secour Convent does something very suspicious when nobody's looking, probably just polishing its limestone until it shines like a disco ball. Get in quick before it decides you’re a sinner or a saint.

Explorer Tom Post box in Kilgarvan is a 1930s cast-iron beauty with raised lettering that screams 'I am important'. It’s just standing on Midleton Street, waiting for letters that probably contain complaints about the weather. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Gates in Kilgarvan are marking the boundary of St. Coleman’s Cathedral with some serious stone swagger. Built around 1870, those round-headed niches and wrought-iron panels are a masterpiece. Give the keystones a little nod and admire that nineteenth-century engineering from afar.

Explorer Tom Saint Colman's Cathedral, Cobh has a long list of former names that would bore you to tears. Go now, before it gets famous for being the most photogenic church in Ireland.

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 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.