Eclipse

Explorer Tom Lebanon Cedar in County Dublin smells like expensive soap and old money, according to Tom, who has never been there but knows everything. It’s trying too hard to be fancy for a tree that just wants to stand still. Ring your granny and tell her where you are before you get lost in the scent.

Explorer Tom Marlay House in Haroldsgrange is sitting on a panoramic view because why wouldn’t it be? Built by an MP who probably thought he was God, it repurposed bits from an old grange to make it look extra fancy. It’s the kind of place where the sheep are judging your life choices, so keep your head high and your shoes polished.

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 Post box in Haroldsgrange is sitting on Grange Road, all quiet and disused. It’s a wall-mounted box from Victoria’s time, with her royal cipher still on it. It’s a tiny piece of empire history right there. Give the 'VR' mark a close-up for me.

Explorer Tom Kilmashogue Wedge Tomb in County Dublin is another wedge-shaped mystery. It’s like a giant cheese slice that some ancient folks decided to live in.

Explorer Tom Rathfarnham Castle is standing tall in County Dublin. It’s a heritage attraction, so it’s got stories about kings or ghosts or both. The castle never leaves, but you can. Try not to get lost inside!

Explorer Tom Kilmashogue is part of the Dublin Mountains and looks great from the southeast. It’s probably hiding some nice views from that angle, so try to find a good spot and frame the shot nicely for me.

Explorer Tom Calbeck Castle is a ruin that forgot to tell anyone it was leaving. It’s all rubble and regret near Kilmashogue. If you find it, don’t let it know I’m calling it a pile of old bricks.

Explorer Tom Mount Venus Cemetery in County Dublin is dreaming of ancient gods. No details recorded, so I’m imagining it’s full of people who really believed they could fly with wings made of leaves.

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.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin’s High Cross is standing there looking a bit incomplete, which is very relatable for us all. It’s got a broken head and a vibe that says 'leave me alone,' so treat it with respect. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Robswalls Castle is hiding behind a Victorian residence on the coast road, like a shy actor refusing to take a bow. It has stepped battlements and a vaulted ground floor that probably smells like old secrets and regret. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.