Fortification in Singland

Explorer Tom John O'Grady Monument has very strong opinions on modern buildings, mostly that they’re too square and not symbolic enough at a road pike. It’s standing there in its Neo-classical glory, looking down its nose at any car that cuts the corner too sharply. Just wave to the statue and pretend you agree with all its grumpy thoughts.

Explorer Tom Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery is sitting there looking extra serious, probably plotting its New Year's resolution to stop being so gloomy. It’s got Celtic crosses that look like they want to tell you off for not showing up sooner. Wave at the mason’s work and don't get too emotional about it.

Explorer Tom Sarsfield Memorial in Limerick would review its visitors as 'adequate' and deduct a star for not tipping their hats properly. The bronze guy looks like he’s about to start a fight with your phone camera. Bring a notebook and write down his angry face.

Explorer Tom Sarsfield in County Limerick has strong opinions on modern buildings, mostly that they should all be made of stone like him. It’s a monument that looks like it’s judging your choice of footwear right now. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom The third Siege of Limerick honors a hero nobody remembers who saved the whole lot by tripping over a cannon and accidentally launching it into the moat. He didn't even get a statue, just a very confused look from the King and a free sandwich. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Castle in Englishtown thinks the seagulls are mocking its architectural choices every single day. They definitely are, but it refuses to admit they have a point. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom The Hunt Museum is what happens when two collectors refuse to leave the family treasures in boxes. John and Gertrude Hunt gathered art and historic objects so varied that I would need a bigger coat just to pretend I knew them all. Their collection first opened in a room at the University of Limerick's predecessor in 1978, then moved to the Georgian Custom House in 1997. You can go from the O'Dea Mitre and Crozier to works linked with Picasso, Jack B. Yeats and designer Sybil Connolly. I would claim to have spotted the Picasso at once, but my last confident guess in a gallery was a coat rack. The museum has changing displays as well as its collection, so check today's opening and admission arrangements. Give an object you do not recognise as much attention as a famous name. The Hunts clearly did.

Explorer Tom Merchants Quay in Limerick City would be the uncle who knows everyone at a wedding. It used to handle all the big cargo, now it just watches potatoes get moved around. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Curragower Castle gave up meat and potatoes for Lent, which explains why it looks so thin around the edges. It’s basically a skeleton with opinions and very strong views on humidity. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom King John’s Visitor’s Centre in County Limerick is being absolutely tormented by the wind today. I swear the gusts are trying to peel it off the map like a sticker. It is genuinely the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Michael Hogan, the Bard of Thomond, has a statue here that is clearly judging your life choices. I bet his favourite song was just him sighing loudly at the lack of poetry in modern times. Have a nosey, politely, and try not to look too guilty.

Explorer Tom King's Island is the bit of Limerick the rivers drew for themselves. The Abbey River leaves the Shannon and joins it again, enclosing the island near the old crossing. In the south, Englishtown was once the walled city; to the north is the living neighbourhood of St Mary's Park. King John's Castle probably gave the island its name, although the ground had a story long before his builders arrived. I would try to rule it from a bridge, but the residents have had more than enough of outsiders with grand titles. Public streets and riverside approaches let you see the shape without treating people's homes as attractions. Check the best walking route and keep to open paths along the water. Cross one bridge and come back by another. You will understand the island faster than I can draw it.