Claddagh Doll

Explorer Tom The Brazen Head heritage attraction in County Dublin almost got famous for being the world’s most boring pub, but then someone spilled soup on the floor and suddenly everyone wanted to see where that happened. It is best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in hand; the combination cures all ills of the soul.

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 thinks 'Hallelujah' is its favourite song because it’s great for getting letters out of people’s hands. It’s been singing that tune since 1728 and hasn’t missed a beat, which is impressive considering it was originally just a gabled house playing dress-up as something grander. Keep your ear open for the off-key chorus drifting from the window.

Explorer Tom Mrcb in County Dublin is a granite giant that still refuses to speak to the bishop who skipped his opening dinner party decades ago. The cut-stone detailing is sharp enough to slice through your excuses, so watch where you step near Thomas Street corner today. Maybe leave a small apology note at the base for good measure.

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 has a date incised on it that is written in Arabic numerals, which is a bold move for the 12th century and probably confused everyone who came after it. It thinks the road leading to it is far too noisy and lacks the proper reverence required for something with such intricate shell designs carved into its sides. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Saint Audoen's Gate would win a county fair by standing still and looking confused, which is its natural state. It’s an old gate that forgot where it leads but pretends to know exactly. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Dublin does weird things when nobody's looking, like plotting how to drop its fruit on your head with precision. It’s been doing this for years, and honestly, you’re starting to look like you’ve earned it. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

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.