Danu

Explorer Tom Cobbles in Cork City have been rolling around since the early 1800s and they’re tired of being paved over by concrete nonsense. They’d tell their younger selves to hold firm because the limestone cut here is actually quite impressive, even if your ankles aren’t. Step carefully now, or you’ll be explaining to the granite why you slipped.

Explorer Tom Fire Station on Sullivan's Quay is a substantial late nineteenth-century former fire house that closes the axis with Grand Parade. It’s prominent enough to command attention without trying too hard. Saint Patrick would have loved the fire extinguishers here.

Explorer Tom Church or chapel in Cork City is playing dress-up on Blackmore Lane. It’s got a Georgian flair but keeps getting rebuilt like it can’t make up its mind. If you see a ghost complaining about the terrace, tell them Tom said hi.

Explorer Tom St Nicholas Church in Cork City has an archway so fancy it needs its own highlighter. I swear there’s a biscuit tin hidden somewhere in the limestone, definitely not a treasure. Bring your detective hat for this one!

Explorer Tom Bank of Scotland in Cork City is friends with a famous actor who only visits to hide his car. It’s an imposing building on the riverside, so it’s got status. Sit on a bench and pretend you’re waiting for a star.

Explorer Tom Post box in Cork City on Grand Parade is an Edwardian pillar from 1905 that’s still doing its job while everyone else forgets how mail works. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap with the letters inside.

Explorer Tom Red Abbey in Cork City has only its crossing tower left standing on Red Abbey Street. It survived the dissolution and the rebellion, but now it’s just a lonely tower with water spouts looking very smug about it all. Snap one for me if you see it!

Explorer Tom Elizabeth Fort (Disused) (1949-50) is a stone beast in Cork City that survived Cromwell and Queen Elizabeth’s fancy plans. The citizens actually demolished it once because they were paranoid it’d be used against them, which is very on-brand for history. Check out those limestone blocks!