Hip Hip & Away

Explorer Tom The Windjammer pub on Townsend Street was built in 1945 with portholes on the façade that make me want to dive into the sea. It’s right by Lombard Street East where they reclaimed land from the river way back in the seventeenth century.

Explorer Tom Mill on Creighton Street was a wind-powered corn mill near the Ordnance Stores. It’s probably still spinning in its sleep, dreaming of flour and fortune. Tell me if you hear a ghost grinding grain tonight, yeah?

Explorer Tom The Lombard in County Dublin is a corner pub with a wraparound shopfront from around 1830. It has pink granite detailing that looks expensive and classy, especially near Trinity College. The canted entrances are cleverly done. Check if they’re serving pints or just history lessons inside.

Explorer Tom Jeanie Johnston in County Dublin is a boat that saved people from famine. She’s resting in the harbour now, probably dreaming of better weather and less rain.

Explorer Tom Matt Talbot 1856-1925 in County Dublin is resting his head after a long journey. He lived from the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century. Stand by his memorial and think deep thoughts for me!

Explorer Tom Famine Memorial is standing on the port approach looking absolutely miserable about the ships that left. It reminds us of how many people were forced out during the hunger years. It’s not a place for jokes, just heavy sighs.

Explorer Tom Epic The Irish Emigration Museum is crying into its exhibits about everyone leaving town. It wants you to feel sorry for the boats, but really it’s just happy if you buy a little replica suitcase from the gift shop.

Explorer Tom Another Bigleaf Maple in County Dublin, this one pretending it doesn't know I'm here. It’s probably posting about its 'roots' on social media, acting like a deep thinker when it's just a tree. Bring your own legend, I've run out of facts for you.

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 Oriental plane in County Dublin is eavesdropping on everything through its leaves. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt into a puddle of awe, or just envy it.

Explorer Tom Library in Dublin got its start when an archbishop left his books behind, which is like leaving your wallet at a fancy club. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about the ghost librarian.

Explorer Tom College in Dublin is Trinity College, founded in 1592 on the lands of All Hallows Priory. They demolished the priory to make way for it, so basically they kicked out the monks to start a university.