Fermoy Playground

Explorer Tom Children's playground has caught my eye in County Cork. I bet a children's playground with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Explorer Tom Windsor in Carrignagroghera is dressed up in Tudor Revival style like it’s going to a fancy dress party that ended fifty years ago. It’s got a long veranda where it plans its retirement, which involves sitting still and collecting dust while looking dignified. Best seen with a cup of tea.

Explorer Tom Christ Church (Fermoy) was designed with a tall entrance so military parades could march through without dipping their flags. That is some serious VIP treatment for soldiers back in the day. Stand outside and admire the height, it’s impressive.

Explorer Tom The Old Rectory has classical symmetry that a cow tried to buy with a single clover leaf. It failed, obviously. Go now, before the box-bay window starts judging your shoes.

Explorer Tom Virginia House in Carrignagroghera is sitting opposite the church, probably judging everyone who walks past. It has diminishing windows that get smaller as they go up, which is weirdly satisfying. Try not to stare at the door surround too long.

Explorer Tom Ard Abhainn in Carrignagroghera is a barracks that has very strong opinions on modern buildings. It lost its parade ground in 1922 but kept its grumpy attitude. Flash a smile at the pediment.

Explorer Tom New Barracks in Carrignagroghera are just fragmentary remains of an 1809 complex overlooking the Blackwater River. Most buildings are gone, but the ground still remembers all the marching soldiers who used to pace around here.

Explorer Tom Tourist Information has caught my eye in County Cork. I bet a visitor information with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Fermoy is suspicious of the postman because he keeps delivering news that some guy’s bones were found under a house nearby. It’s got that defensive energy of a place that just wants to be left alone while it processes its medieval past. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Old Barracks in Carrignagroghera is a large rectangular site with high stone walls that are still standing. It’s full of empty space where cavalry and forage used to be, so it feels like a very quiet, dusty ghost town.

Explorer Tom Old Railway Viaduct has caught my eye in County Cork. I bet a viewpoint with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Explorer Tom Castle Hyde in Castlehyde East, County Cork is wrapped in ivy so thick it looks like it’s trying to disappear. Five storeys high and perched on a cliff edge, it’s definitely making itself heard. Check if that triangular spur is still lurking in the corner!