Historic building in Shortcourse

Explorer Tom R. Thompson on Barrack Street has a traditional Irish pubfront that looks like it’s been polished by someone who really, really hates modern architecture. It’s got those original features intact, which is rare these days, so it’s probably keeping its secrets locked away in the upper floors. Stand across the street and see if the pubfront is judging your choice of hat.

Explorer Tom The old barracks gateway in Waterford is the ultimate shortcut that doesn’t really save you any time at all, but it looks so official you’d believe it. Those stone piers are tougher than they look, having guarded soldiers who probably lost their way more often than not. Don’t try to squeeze through; the masonry bites back!

Explorer Tom Saint Anne's Presbytery in Waterford City is showing off its stone masonry on Convent Hill. I bet it claims to be three hundred years older than it actually is, just to keep the locals confused. Check that polychromatic tone for me!

Explorer Tom Cnoc Sion in Waterford City looks like a red brick box that got lost during a modern art exhibition and ended up on Barrack Street by mistake. It has an unusual roof profile that makes it look like it's trying to hide from the sun in summer. Give it a wave from the pavement but don't expect it to wave back politely.

Explorer Tom French Tower in County Waterford has a rivalry with the Round Tower next door, claiming it’s more stylish despite being slightly less round. It thinks its name gives it an edge in fashion, even though it’s just a chunk of stone from the old walls. Stand still and listen because the wind tells its story better than I ever could.

Explorer Tom Double Tower in County Waterford is trying to sell itself to a cow who thinks two towers are better for grazing on both sides at once. The cow offered to pay in manure, which the tower accepted with open arms and no questions asked. It's free, it's odd, and what more do you want from a day out?

Explorer Tom Beach Tower in County Waterford is part of the medieval defences but looks like it wandered off from a beach holiday. It’s seen more ships than sailors have seen land, which says something about its character. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Granny Castle in Granny is named after a priest who lost a bet and didn't pay up. He still blames the tower house for his bad luck, which is rich. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Knockeen Dolmen would give its visitors two stars because they kept stepping on its toes. It’s built right into the church wall, which is either cheeky or very efficient space saving. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Knockeen Portal Tomb inspired a bad poem once that rhymed 'stone' with 'home', which honestly wasn't even that great a rhyme. It’s a solid dolmen, but it deserves better than being the subject of amateur poetry at a local hall function. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Waterford has made a New Year's resolution to stop being so pointy, but it doesn’t seem to be working out for him. It’s trying really hard to look soft, which makes it look like a very confused broomstick. Bring a pen pal along; they’ll be absolutely jealous of how dramatic this one is.

Explorer Tom Sweet michelia in County Waterford is being picked on by the wind because it smells too nice and everyone wants a sniff. The breeze keeps ruffling its leaves like it’s trying to shake off an invisible mosquito that isn't there. Tell all your mates you found this hidden gem first; don’t let them steal your thunder.