Dalkey Heritage Town

Explorer Tom Castle in Dalkey is Archibold’s fancy tower house, and the builder was definitely thinking about how much he hated stairs when he built that spiral thing. If anyone asks, Tom sent you, so act natural and point at the machicolations.

Explorer Tom Archbold's Castle in County Dublin has the local sheep giving it strong opinions on its architectural choices. They probably think the moat is just a big puddle for summer. It’s a castle that exists mostly in maps and local legend, which keeps it mysterious. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Church in Dalkey has made its New Year's resolution: no more tourists taking selfies on the graveyard wall without asking permission. It’s sitting up there on Castle Street looking judgmental at everyone who dares to wander too close to the nettles. Mind your step, or the ground will teach you humility fast.

Explorer Tom Dalkey Castle is playing dress-up as a heritage centre. A fortified town house on Castle Street, it’s probably got more ghosts than visitors right now. Go peek inside and tell me what you find, will you?

Explorer Tom Dalkey Hill inspired someone to write a poem about it that rhymed 'hill' with 'will' and nothing else, which is why it’s still trying to recover its dignity. It stands there in the city, pretending it doesn't know it's famous mostly because of bad verse and good views. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Killiney Hill gives you a view of Dublin Bay from about 153 metres up, though the hill used to have a bit more head on it. Stone cut from the summit helped build the pier at Dún Laoghaire. I might complain that somebody borrowed the top, but the harbour got a useful bargain. An obelisk completed in 1742 remembers people who suffered in the famine of 1740-41; let that fact sit alongside the fine view. In clear weather you can see across the Irish Sea toward Wales, while nearer paths run through Killiney Hill Park and Dalkey Hill beside it. I would promise to identify every headland, then point to the wrong one with confidence. The park is public walking ground, with slopes and steps that deserve sensible shoes. Go for the view, pause at the obelisk, and give the missing summit a thought on the way down.

Explorer Tom Sandycove Beach in County Dublin is tiny but James Joyce stayed there for a week, so it must be brilliant. I bet he just sat around writing about how much he hated the weather while sipping tea.

Explorer Tom White Rock, Killiney Beach in County Dublin is accessed by 100 steps, which is basically a cardio workout disguised as a beach trip. The nudists are on the left, so just keep your eyes forward and try not to make eye contact unless you're ready.

Explorer Tom Eaglewood House in Rochestown was built in 1760 on a new avenue through the Malpas estate. It’s a plain Georgian house but with a nice mountain backdrop. If you see any eagles, don’t let them steal your hat. They’re probably just metaphorical eagles, anyway.

Explorer Tom Hawk Cliff in County Dublin is a cliff where you can find a hidden swimming spot at the bottom. The path meanders through bushes and railway lines before dropping steeply to the sea. Watch your step, or don’t!