Howth Martello Tower

Explorer Tom Martello Tower in Howth is guarded by an invisible dog that barks at yachts and seagulls alike. It’s been watching the water since before we knew how to make coffee properly, so bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Gyd. in Howth is actually Howth Abbey, founded by a King of Dublin way back. A fox took charge of the place once and looked better than most tourists. If it rains, blame me for not checking the forecast.

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Abbey graveyard in Howth has interments from 1050 to 1973, so it’s been busy for about nine centuries. It’s bounded by castellated granite walls and next to an abbey ruin. Pop by and tell it it's looking well, even if it’s sleeping.

Explorer Tom St Mary's Abbey in County Dublin has this secret talent for making you feel incredibly small and slightly guilty about your phone usage while you stand there pretending to be spiritual. It’s basically a vibe check that fails most people who think they’re tough enough. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Howth has a crenellated wall that looks like it’s guarding against dragons or bad parking tickets. It drops thirty feet to the north, which is a bit much for a stroll. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom The Old Courthouse is where Saint Patrick would have probably shouted at the lawyers for being so slow and inefficient with their paperwork back then. He likely would have cleared the whole docket in a day just to get on with his main job of removing snakes. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Cliffs of Howth are seen from the Balscadden Road, which sounds like a place built by people who hate walking. Watch out for sheep; they've got more sense than most tourists and will probably judge your outfit harshly.

Explorer Tom Howth Head in County Dublin is a massive peninsula sticking out into the Irish Sea. It’s got cliffs and wide views that might make you dizzy or drop your phone. Take a pic of the edge for me!

Explorer Tom Ben of Howth in County Dublin gives you a view of Portmarnock and Malahide from the northwest. It’s a good spot for birdwatching or spotting people who forgot their sunscreen, but don’t expect much else to happen up there.

Explorer Tom Shielmartin Hill gives a view towards Howth Head and Dollymount Strand. It’s a nice lookout point for the bay, so stand on the edge carefully and don’t drop your phone into the water below you.