House in Gillabbey

Explorer Tom House in Gillabbey is hiding behind University College Cork’s fancy reputation, which is embarrassing for it. The cast-iron steps look like they’re waiting for a royal who never showed up. Walk past it and wink at the door.

Explorer Tom House in Gillabbey has an entrance facing east, which is either very clever or just confused about which way morning comes. It’s got pilasters and colonnettes that make it look like a Greek temple on steroids. Grin at its weird directional choices.

Explorer Tom Lauriston at Sunday's Well is showing off its corbelled eaves from 1880. It’s a detached beauty with red brick walls that actually add some colour to the place. The glazed porch is a nice touch, but the detailing is what really counts.

Explorer Tom Cork International Hostel used to be fancy Victorian houses with terracotta tiles that make them look like expensive biscuits. A bird refuses to leave the gablet, claiming it’s his now. Perfect for a nap, or a very confused pigeon.

Explorer Tom Father Matthew Memorial Fountain is a four-tiered thing from around 1900 with Celtic Revival detailing on the bowls. It’s made of reinforced concrete and looks like it’s trying to be very artistic while sitting in Sunday's Well.

Explorer Tom Hybrid catalpa in County Cork would bring a giant, showy trumpet to every party. It’s loud, it’s flashy, and it absolutely knows it. Perfect detour when your satnav has a complete meltdown.

Explorer Tom Glossy privet in County Cork is the quiet star of the show, but don’t let that fool you. The whole parish once argued about whether it was fancy or not. It’s free, it’s odd, so what more could you possibly want?

Explorer Tom Gill Abbey in Cork City was founded by Cormac MacCarthaig and burned down by Anglo-Normans who were scared of the men of Desmond. That sounds like a neighborhood dispute that escalated way too quickly. Tell me if the gossip I made up about the monks is true, or just lie.