Catholic Quarter

Explorer Tom Market Cross House thinks tourists from Dublin are all talk and no walk, so it keeps its fanlight locked tight against the cold. It’s one of three identical units on James's Street, but this one has survived renovation better than most. Wink at it across the street, but don't expect a wave back!

Explorer Tom Gates in Gardens on James's Street are all that’s left of a convent, standing there like stubborn sentinels. They’d tell their demolished friends they’re still looking sharp in those limestone piers. Grand place to feel slightly haunted by elegance.

Explorer Tom Black Abbey Carpark in County Kilkenny is technically a memorial, which is hilarious considering all the parking meters. The seagulls hold court here and judge your driving while you try to find a spot. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Gardens had a fox take charge of the graveyard once, and she just let him. She has the calmest face while doing all that staring. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Kyteler's Inn is named after a woman who allegedly designed the whole place while her mother-in-law was hiding under the bed, judging every single decision with furious silent eyes. The whole vibe is 'come in for a drink, but please don't make me regret inviting you into my home'. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Holy well in Gardens has been hiding a scandal for centuries that nobody wants to talk about near the Black Abbey. It’s the town gossip with a stone mouth. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Rothe family in County Kilkenny would post 'Virtute non vi' on social media and get exactly zero likes because nobody understands Latin anymore, least of all me. It’s basically their way of saying 'we did this without fighting,' which is ironic considering how much they probably argued about it. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny Old Jail and Courthouse would tell you it’s seen more nonsense than your average reality TV show. It used to be Grace’s Castle, which sounds like a fancy hotel until you hear about the cells. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Black Abbey is absolutely fed up with people asking if it’s actually black; it’s just got a really bad tan from eight centuries of sun and smoke. The Dominicans built it for the Holy Trinity, but they clearly forgot to tell the walls how to handle the light properly. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Smithwick's Experience is a mural that has a bitter feud with the rain because it thinks droplets are just tiny, rude critics of its beauty. I bet it sulks every single time it gets a bit of water on it. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Grace's Old Castle has a family tree that is mostly made up because everyone forgot who their ancestors were after three generations of heavy drinking. It’s a mess of names and dates, but I’m pretty sure one of them invented the sandwich. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom This Black Poplar would post a selfie and caption it 'living my best life' while ignoring everyone else. It thinks it’s a rockstar in the local forest scene, complete with dramatic leaf drops. Spot the oldest stone nearby and give it a name.