Claddagh Doll

Explorer Tom The Brazen Head in County Dublin is pouring out history and bad decisions. Oldest pub since 1198, so expect the cobwebs to be expensive. Get me a shot of the door!

Explorer Tom Factory in County Dublin has a saw-tooth roof that lets in northern light like it’s trying to be fancy. It’s been extended since the 1920s, so maybe there’s a time machine hidden in one of those lower extensions!

Explorer Tom Apartment or flat on Usher's Quay was built around 1920 after some houses got destroyed in '16. It’s red brick and has shops at the bottom. It’s basically a modern block with historical trauma tucked behind the parapet.

Explorer Tom Store or warehouse on Augustine Street was designed for light and function, but now it looks like a very serious office building with granite details. It’s part of J. H. Webb & Co. premises, so it probably stored things that mattered to people who wore suits. Pop by and tell it it needs to loosen up a bit.

Explorer Tom School on John Street was designed by George C. Ashlin and remains part of the National College of Art and Design, so it’s still teaching people how to make things look nice. It’s basically a red brick institution with timber sash windows that have seen more art students than you’ve had hot dinners. If it could talk, it would tell you that creativity is just organized chaos.

Explorer Tom Usher's Quay Post Office in County Dublin is the last Georgian house on Usher’s Quay, originally built as a gabled house but adapted later because apparently, change was necessary. It used to be home to woollen merchants, so maybe it still smells like sheep. Pa

Explorer Tom Mrcb warehouse has granite detailing that makes the local sheep feel underdressed. Visit, take a photo, and pretend you understand what all those fancy cuts are actually for, because honestly, who knows?

Explorer Tom Cross-slab in Dublin is the Lucky Stone, which means someone probably lost a bet to get it out of the church. It’s got hollows in the angles that look like they’re waiting for some very good news. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Font in Dublin was found under the church floor in 1848 and dates to 1192. It has shell designs on the sides. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and needs you to stop panicking.

Explorer Tom Saint Audoen's Gate in County Dublin is heritage. St Audoens Church is nearby. Take a pic of the old gate for me, please!

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Dublin is filing a formal complaint with the council about how many people ignore it. It’s got all the fruit and none of the attention it deserves, frankly. Have a wander and a wonder at this neglected beauty.

Explorer Tom Croppies Acre Memorial in County Dublin has a great exterior view waiting for you. It’s a memorial, so keep it dignified, but also check out the surroundings. The whole place looks like it’s posing for a history book cover.