Fireman John Kite

Explorer Tom Andrew Street Post Office in County Dublin is a big granite slab from 1948 that tries too hard to look modern with all that glazing. It replaced an older place on Church Lane and has some carved roundels that I can't quite make out. It’s basically a concrete fortress for letters!

Explorer Tom Bank or financial institution on College Green was built for the Guinness Mahon Bank in 1930. It’s got a bank-front at the bottom, so money is definitely being counted inside. Spot the Portland stone band up high!

Explorer Tom This holy well hosted a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove, which is exactly how you want your history to stay ambiguous. It was revealed during street redevelopment in the nineties, so it really likes making dramatic entrances. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom The Garda Museum sits in Dublin Castle, which may make me stand up straighter before I even reach the door. It moved from the old Record Tower and opened to the public in the Treasury Building in 2017. The displays follow Irish policing from medieval watchmen through constabularies, the Dublin Metropolitan Police and the Gardaí. I would offer to demonstrate how to spot a suspicious character, then notice myself in the glass case reflection. The history includes changing laws and institutions, so the objects deserve attention beyond the uniforms. Check current opening, visitor entry and any castle security arrangements before travelling. Look for how each force described its job in its own time. I suspect the medieval watchman would have plenty to ask a man carrying my map and sandwiches.

Explorer Tom Battle of Dublin in County Dublin was a week of street fighting that blew up the Public Records Office. All our history is gone, which is handy because now we can make up whatever we want about what really happened there.

Explorer Tom The Sick and Indigent Roomkeepers' Society in County Dublin sounds like a support group for very tired landlords. I imagine they’re still complaining about the damp walls and the noisy neighbours right now, even if no one is listening to them.

Explorer Tom Garda Memorial Garden has a hidden treasure that’s definitely a biscuit tin buried under the flowers by some officer on break. It’s a quiet spot where the grass is greener and the silence is heavier than you’d expect. Pack a picnic and an excuse for why you’re sitting there so long.

Explorer Tom Millennium Bridge claims its first owner had an elaborate escape plan involving a hot air balloon and a very confused goat, though nobody really believes that story anymore. It wobbles just enough to make you feel like a hero for crossing it without falling over or making eye contact with the river. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Bigleaf Maple: Locals swear this maple is older than the village, which is either impressive or just plain nonsense. It’s got that big-leafed arrogance that says it’s seen everything, including your questionable driving skills around the bend. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Castle in County Dublin has been hosting imaginary fiddlers for centuries who just never seem to get tired of playing the same tune all night. It’s the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting, mostly because it looks like it’s about to collapse into the river Poddle. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.