Cork Folklore Project

Explorer Tom Post box in Cork City is still taking letters even though Queen Victoria left the party a long time ago. It’s got a V.R. insignia that screams 'I was here before the internet'. Give it a little tap for luck!

Explorer Tom Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne is an architectural palimpsest, which sounds like a fancy sandwich. It burned down in 1820 and was rebuilt with different architects! The five-stage tower from 1860 is impressive. If you hear echoes, it’s probably just the history talking.

Explorer Tom 1. Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne Presbytery in Cork City is showing off its fancy brickwork like a show-off at a wedding. The locals say it’s the clergy’s VIP lounge from back in the day. Go at sunset or you’ll miss the drama!

Explorer Tom Rosemount in Cork City has a chamfered corner that looks like it was cut by a fancy chef. Built around 1840, it’s near the Shandon bells and has elegant corner treatment. Take a pic of the continuous sill courses for me if you’re nearby!

Explorer Tom The Legion of Mary hostel in Cork City has red brick walls in Flemish Bond. Built around 1890, it’s got cast-iron brackets and sash windows that are still original. It’s a charitable place, so keep your noise down if you’re nearby.

Explorer Tom House in Cork City on Shandon Street is showing off its corner site like it owns the place. Built around 1800, it’s got a shopfront now but still acts all mysterious. Wave to those diminishing windows for me!

Explorer Tom The Church of Saint Anne in Shandon would give its visitors a harsh review based entirely on how loud they are on the stairs to the bell tower. It’s got that famous clock face staring down at you, judging your outfit choice as you climb. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom G Yd (Dis) in Cork City has headstones lining the walls like they’re waiting for a very long, very boring meeting to start. It would tell you a secret after a few pints that involves a horse and a very expensive hat. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom The Butter Museum would love to complain to the council about how much butter goes soft in the heat. It’s basically a shrine to dairy products that never quite made it to the table. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Cork City has a shrine with a statue but no visible well anymore. It's not frequented on a holy well nowadays, which is sad. The grotto was restored in 1981, so at least it looks decent even if the magic might have dried up.

Explorer Tom Lavitts Quay is a memorial where, legend has it, a goat once ruled the harbour by eating all the navigation charts before the tide came in. Now it’s just rocks and stories, but if you look closely, you can still see the hoofprints of that terrible beast. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Tourist Office in County Cork is located near St Patrick's Quay, where a bishop once refused to enter because he thought the door was too rude. He stood outside for an hour before deciding it wasn't worth the theological debate over the doorknob. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.