Crone Wood

Explorer Tom Maulin stands above Powerscourt Waterfall, so I could say it has a grand shower at the foot of the hill. At 570 metres, it is a popular Wicklow summit reached by trails from Crone Woods and near the Wicklow Way. More ambitious walkers use it on the roughly sixteen-kilometre Glensoulan circuit with Tonduff, War Hill and Djouce. I would announce the full loop and then spend ten minutes looking for my water bottle. The forestry paths can give way to exposed hill ground, so check the route, weather, parking and any trail works before setting out. Stay clear of steep drops above the waterfall. Look back towards the wooded valley as you gain height. It is a fine reminder that a moderate number on a map can still mean a proper day outside.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Wicklow would complain to the council that its roots are being squeezed by new pavement and it’s very cross about it. It demands a formal apology and possibly a nice pot of tea as compensation for the pain. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Powerscourt Waterfall in County Wicklow is hoarding a century-old scandal about a secret kiss right behind that roaring curtain of water. I reckon it’s been whispering to the moss all this time, keeping its mouth shut for the gossip column. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom The gate lodge in Deerpark would survive a zombie attack by hiding behind its gate screen. Known as Waterfall Lodge, it’s positioned perfectly to guard the entrance to Powerscourt. The picturesque style makes it look like it belongs in a movie, not just a driveway. Keep your distance and watch for movement.

Explorer Tom Valclusa in Ballinagee is showing off its early nineteenth-century good looks like it’s about to win a beauty pageant against a barn. It’s all preserved and proud, standing there with that confident, well-maintained smirk that says, 'Look at me, I haven’t aged a day since the Georgian era!' It’s basically a historical diva who demands you admire the facade without stepping on its pristine lawn. So

Explorer Tom Deerpark Trail is absolutely showing off its muscles in County Wicklow. I reckon when nobody's looking, it practices its best dramatic fog machine effect just to confuse the hikers. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Douglas-fir is in a bitter rivalry with a more famous tree in the next county that gets all the postcards, which really irritates it. It’s just trying to be normal while its neighbor acts like it’s the only one worth photographing. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Tonduff East Top smells like wet wool and ancient regret, according to my very scientific nose. It’s the kind of place where your shoes start judging your life choices within ten minutes of arrival. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Julia's Memorial is quietly wondering what it would do with a lotto win, probably buy a very expensive hat for itself. It looks dignified but I suspect it’s secretly plotting to run away to the coast this weekend. Ring your granny and tell her where you are exactly.

Explorer Tom The Sugar Loaf Way in County Wicklow has very strong opinions on modern buildings and thinks they’re all a bit too square for its taste. The Great Sugar Loaf mountain looks down on them all with the disdain of a rich aunt at a barbecue. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Source of River Liffey has a prophecy that it would one day flow upwards into the sky to wash the clouds, but it’s still stuck in the bog doing nothing. It thinks that’s hilarious because we all pretend we’re going somewhere important when we’re just standing there getting muddy. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kilmacanoge South would get 'Finally some peace' on its tombstone because it’s had enough of the stream running past all day long. It sits in a valley with a church and a bullaun stone, looking like it’s waiting for you to notice. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.