House in Carrignafoy

Explorer Tom Cliff Cottage is having a massive feud with the next village over who has the better slate roof. It’s got those classic cast-iron crestings and sash windows doing all the heavy lifting in the argument. Take a peek at that roofline for me, will ya?

Explorer Tom The Retreat in Carrignafoy sounds like a place to hide from your problems, but it’s just a house. It’s got bipartite windows that look like they’re blinking in surprise. Make a wish on the slate roof and hope it works.

Explorer Tom Merton in Carrignafoy is a style mash-up with a Georgian block, Regency bow, and Edwardian porch, all mixed together on Cobh’s streets. It’s got a complex plan that makes it look like it’s been through several fashion eras without losing its charm.

Explorer Tom Mount Eaton in Carrignafoy is an elegant 1820 house with an 1880 extension that feels like a Victorian afterthought. It’s got ornate timber engaged columns and spoked fanlights on the front, while the back has full-height bay windows, creating a bit of a time travel experience.

Explorer Tom The Titanic Memorial Garden would tell the place that replaced it to grow up and stop being so dramatic about the whole thing. It’s just a garden, mate, don’t make it into a soap opera. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Cove Fort in County Cork used to guard the harbour but its least favourite visitor is definitely the tide, which keeps crashing through without even knocking first. It’s spent centuries trying to look intimidating while getting slowly eroded by the sea’s impatience. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Cork Harbour Tragedy is having a bit of a moment. It used to be a Chinese restaurant, which makes the 1942 shipwreck vibe feel very... authentic and spicy. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Cunard Líne Offices is judging your outfit because you didn’t bring a monocle or a very expensive hat. It’s where the fancy ships used to plan their routes across the big blue ocean to nowhere in particular. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Saint Colman's Cathedral in Cobh does something weird when nobody’s looking: it probably rearranges its own pews just to mess with anyone who tries to take a shortcut. It’s right by the harbour, so it looks majestic, but the acoustics are definitely playing tricks on you. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Haulbowline in County Cork hosted a love story that ended with someone throwing a naval vessel at their ex-partner. It’s got military vibes but feels more like a messy breakup scene on a very large scale. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Rocky Island would survive a zombie attack just by standing there looking unappetisingly stony and hard to bite. Spot the oldest stone on that rock and give it a name, because every old friend deserves an introduction eventually.

Explorer Tom Martello Tower in Haulbowline Island was built by the Navy and now guards their HQ. It’s got wooden stairs and a water tank up top. Tell it I said g'day from across the harbour, will you?