Dartry Park

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Dublin is playing hard to get. Rumour has it the slide whispers ancient secrets if you listen closely. Don't believe me? Go and ask the monkey bars yourself!

Explorer Tom Trinity College Dublin Botanical Gardens in County Dublin smells like old books and money. Act smart, read a plaque, impress yourself.

Explorer Tom Rathfarnham Castle’s gate lodge looks like a triumphal arch for people who are just going home from work, which is ironic. It’s got Doric columns and urns, so it’s trying to be Rome, but it’s really just a fancy entrance in County Dublin.

Explorer Tom Windmill in Dublin is named on an OS map but nobody knows when it existed. A prophecy says it'll fly again, but that never came true. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Rathgar Castle was involved in the Battle of Rathmines in 1649. Beranger drew it in ruin in 1769, looking quite dramatic. Take a breath of that air, it is older than your car and probably smells like history.

Explorer Tom Weir in Rathfarnham is just minding its own business on the Dodder, pretending it's not obsolete. I bet it charges a small fee to fishies for the privilege of getting splashed. Bring your own rubber boots and a sense of humour!

Explorer Tom Clonskeagh Castle in County Dublin used to be called Roebuck and belonged to a United Irishman ironfounder. History says it was still being fixed up back in 1789, so it has plenty of drama.

Explorer Tom Hybrid Poplar in County Dublin has a dog in charge of it who barks at anyone who doesn’t tip. The poplar just stands there looking confused while the dog runs the show like a tiny overlord. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now if you say so.

Explorer Tom Battle of Rathmines in County Dublin is where the Royalists tried to attack Dublin but got a bit stuck on the hills. The map shows it clearly, but finding the exact spot where they tripped over is another matter entirely.

Explorer Tom Éamonn Ceannt in County Dublin led the Easter Rising and got executed at Kilmainham. A heavy hitter for a memorial spot. Give him some respect if you pass by his marker today.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Dublin has been feuding with the rain since the last ice age or something equally dramatic. It looks grumpy, which is on brand for a yew that’s seen too much drama. Go on a wet day, it suits the gloomy mood perfectly.

Explorer Tom Austin Clarke Bridge in County Dublin is named after a poet who lived nearby, so cross it slowly and try to compose a verse about the river that doesn’t rhyme badly.