Jacks are Wild

Explorer Tom Ballybough Bridge was swept away by a flood in the 14th century but keeps coming back. Locals swear if you kiss it, you'll never be late for work again, which is a lie. Go back in winter, it's a different animal then, probably shivering and grumpy.

Explorer Tom Poplar Row Flats were built between 1936 and 1939 by Herbert Simms. They’ve got undulating streetscapes and deck access balconies that show off Dutch housing influences, providing a unique animated space for the resident community.

Explorer Tom Ballybough Road Bridge is a steel box-truss masterpiece from the Victorian industrial boom. It’s got decorative parapets that scream ‘I’m fancy for a bridge.’ Who knows what dramatic event happened here? A pigeon probably proposed to another pigeon.

Explorer Tom Graveyard or cemetery on Fairview Strand, County Dublin, is a Jewish burial ground that’s been keeping secrets since 1777. The headstones have joined hands in solidarity, which is either sweet or creepy depending on how much whiskey you’ve had. Bring bread and salt if you’re feeling superstitious, otherwise just wave at the oldest grave.

Explorer Tom Post office in County Dublin was built to send letters and later became a hall. The stone is colorful, but I bet the mail carriers had a rough time getting those packages through the door.

Explorer Tom Post box on Ballybough Road wears the royal insignia of Edward VII like a badge of honour, even though he’s long gone. It’s a high-quality piece of street furniture that has seen every love letter and tax bill in Dublin. Send me a postcard from it.

Explorer Tom Annesley Bridge in Dublin crosses the Tolka River and is named after an earl who probably thought he was very important. It’s got stonework and concrete that show off its early twentieth-century engineering flex. Twirl around if you want, it won’t mind as long as you don’t fall in.

Explorer Tom Hall on Fairview was a community building before it became a place of worship. It has wrought-iron railings that look expensive, so if you touch them, make sure your hands are clean or it will judge you.

Explorer Tom The Seán Russell Memorial Statue is plotting its New Year’s resolution right now, probably something about not looking so stern when people take photos. It’s got a secret life of its own. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Bombing of the North Strand in County Dublin has a permanent audience of seagulls who think they're the main event here. They scream about it all day while the locals just shrug and carry on with their lives. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom East Point Business Park is planning to retire by just turning off all its lights and pretending it’s a haunted house for tourists. It thinks it’s way too important to be bothered by actual people walking around anymore. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

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.