Fintan Gavin

Explorer Tom Post box in Marino Park is from 1935 and has Gaelic script on it that dates it to the early Irish state. It’s got a dentillated frieze that looks like it’s wearing a fancy hat. Tell the Jessop Davis foundry Tom says their postbox is still working but probably needs a new coat of paint!

Explorer Tom St. Joseph's cbs School in County Dublin is a Victorian school from 1888 with plaques everywhere. The Christian Brothers built it on an estate, so it’s got history baked into the bricks. The gable bays look very proud of themselves!

Explorer Tom Marino College is a concrete beast with a dating profile that says: 'Likes herringbone brickwork, hates modern trends.' It was the model for tech schools, so expect the Wi-Fi to be ancient. Tell me if it winks at you.

Explorer Tom London Plane in Dublin had a fox take charge of its lower branches last winter and declared it territory. It looks tough with its rough bark but is actually quite sensitive about where you park your bike. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch for extra points.

Explorer Tom The Seán Russell Memorial Statue is plotting its New Year’s resolution right now, probably something about not looking so stern when people take photos. It’s got a secret life of its own. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Catherine McAuley in County Dublin has developed a deep suspicion of the postman, who allegedly delivered her letters to the wrong century every single time. She’s still checking over her shoulder for him to show up with that bad news. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom East Point Business Park is planning to retire by just turning off all its lights and pretending it’s a haunted house for tourists. It thinks it’s way too important to be bothered by actual people walking around anymore. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Killing of David Byrne in County Dublin is near the Regency Airport Hotel, which sounds very fancy. The death happened close to a main route. Take a pic of the hotel and pretend you’re checking in for good.

Explorer Tom Burning of the Custom House in County Dublin was a bargain gone wrong with fire involved. It looks dramatic from a distance, which is good for photos. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Chinese Toon in County Dublin would rate its visitors two stars out of five for lack of appreciation. It smells amazing but acts like you owe it rent for breathing the air around it. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Glasnevin Cemetery is where Daniel O'Connell got himself a symbolic round tower built because he was feeling particularly fancy. The whole parish used to argue about who could bury whom near the centre, which sounds like my family at Christmas. Bring your nan, she'll know more than I ever will.

Explorer Tom Cathedral. Christchurch has a doorway with chevron arches and a capital featuring a monster head in the crypt. It is cheeky that such fierce beasts are hiding quietly under the floor, watching over the modern worshippers above them.