Font in Bray

Explorer Tom Christ Church in Bray is a fine and well preserved example of a Victorian parish church in Gothic Revival style. It’s well executed with attention to detail that really shows in the stone work. The location is prime for anyone who appreciates historical architecture without the crowds. Just stand back from the entrance and let your eyes do the work.

Explorer Tom Pembroke Lodge in Bray has a bird living in the eaves who refuses to leave even when it’s snowing or scorching hot. It’s basically the unofficial manager of the house now and probably runs the place while we’re not looking. Watch out for feathered projectiles!

Explorer Tom Oldcourt Castle in County Wicklow is being haunted by a pigeon who refuses to leave because he thinks it’s his ancestral home now. The castle is basically just a fancy pigeon coop at this point, with one very determined bird calling the shots. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Wicklow has a massive ongoing argument with the nearest oak about who looks better in the wind. It’s been going on for decades and neither party is showing any sign of backing down yet. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Stone Pine in County Wicklow nearly made the news when someone thought it was a rare species, but it turned out to be just a really good-looking pine. It’s been waiting for its moment of fame, maybe wearing a little hat, but nothing has happened yet. It’s got that 'I’m special' energy even though it’s just standing there doing its job. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom The Cross in Fassaroe makes a distinct creaking sound at night that sounds suspiciously like it’s complaining about the damp. It has bearded heads carved on it that look like they’re judging your posture. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Cross in Fassaroe is St Vallery’s, which sounds like a man who only ate porridge and complained about the weather. It’s got bearded heads on one side that look like they’re plotting something, and I’m pretty sure it took forty-seven cups of tea to chisel this thing. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Bray Head has a cross on top and a railway clinging to the coast below. I would complain about the climb, but local people make it as a Good Friday procession, so I can manage a quieter pace. The headland reaches about 241 metres; its concrete cross went up in 1950. Some of the hill itself went away to help build Dún Laoghaire's pier, which is a fairly grand way to donate stone. Isambard Kingdom Brunel's railway took the cliff-side route below, then had to be diverted three times when the coast objected. I would have asked the rock for permission first, though it likely would have ignored me. A path from near Bray Esplanade climbs to the cross over rougher ground after the first steps. Check local trail conditions and stay back from drops. The view over town and sea is fine payment for a little honest effort.

Explorer Tom Carrickgollogan has a view of Dublin and Wicklow, but its strangest feature is a chimney that once worked a very long distance from the fire. The Ballycorus lead works built a flue about two kilometres long up the hill in 1836, letting metal in the fumes settle before smoke escaped. The granite chimney became so visible that sailors used it as a landmark. I would offer to sweep the flue with one enormous brush, and be told to go and read the plans. The hill rises 276 metres above Rathmichael and Shankill, with woodland and heath on top. Check the current public trail, stay out of ruined industrial structures and keep to safe paths. Find the chimney in the landscape; it is a remarkable monument to both invention and pollution.

Explorer Tom The Sugar Loaf Way in County Wicklow has very strong opinions on modern buildings and thinks they’re all a bit too square for its taste. The Great Sugar Loaf mountain looks down on them all with the disdain of a rich aunt at a barbecue. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Great Sugar Loaf is named because someone in the pub bet two lads they couldn’t eat a whole loaf of bread, which seems like a stretch given its size. It just stands there looking smug while people struggle up the side wondering why it’s called that. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Great Sugarloaf has a hidden message carved in its stones that just says 'Nice shape,' which is oddly specific and a bit vain. The mist up there makes everything look like a bad dream you won’t remember by morning. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.