Factory on John Street

Explorer Tom School on John Street was designed by George C. Ashlin and remains part of the National College of Art and Design, so it’s still teaching people how to make things look nice. It’s basically a red brick institution with timber sash windows that have seen more art students than you’ve had hot dinners. If it could talk, it would tell you that creativity is just organized chaos.

Explorer Tom The Priory on John's Lane West was built in 1878 by G.C. Ashlin. It has polychrome brick detailing that looks like it was designed by a very enthusiastic child. The canted bay porch is doing all the talking here.

Explorer Tom Store or warehouse on Augustine Street was designed for light and function, but now it looks like a very serious office building with granite details. It’s part of J. H. Webb & Co. premises, so it probably stored things that mattered to people who wore suits. Pop by and tell it it needs to loosen up a bit.

Explorer Tom John's Lane Priory has been hanging around since 1880, probably waiting for someone to bring it tea. It’s got a red brick facade that looks like it’s about to tell a story. Listen closely if you’re passing by!

Explorer Tom Church of Saint Augustine and Saint John in County Dublin is perched up high looking down on everyone with its fancy spire. It used to be a monastery for guys who crossed swords and then probably got bored. Toast it with a pint, not wine!

Explorer Tom "The Food Gallery is actually a bank pretending to be a sandwich shop, and frankly, it's winning. A guy named Byrne carved granite so hard it made the money nervous. Have a bite of that history if you dare."

Explorer Tom The Brazen Head heritage attraction in County Dublin almost got famous for being the world’s most boring pub, but then someone spilled soup on the floor and suddenly everyone wanted to see where that happened. It is best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in hand; the combination cures all ills of the soul.

Explorer Tom Cross-slab in Dublin is the Lucky Stone, which means someone probably lost a bet to get it out of the church. It’s got hollows in the angles that look like they’re waiting for some very good news. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Font in Dublin was found under the church floor in 1848 and dates to 1192. It has shell designs on the sides. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and needs you to stop panicking.

Explorer Tom St Audoen’s Church in County Dublin is playing hard to get, claiming it took forty thousand cups of tea just to lay its first brick, which is probably why it still smells faintly of Earl Grey and ancient secrets. If you linger long enough near those stones, a local will eventually appear to spill the real beans.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Dublin is filing a formal complaint with the council about how many people ignore it. It’s got all the fruit and none of the attention it deserves, frankly. Have a wander and a wonder at this neglected beauty.

Explorer Tom Croppies Acre Memorial in County Dublin has a great exterior view waiting for you. It’s a memorial, so keep it dignified, but also check out the surroundings. The whole place looks like it’s posing for a history book cover.