Littlepace Park

Explorer Tom Phibblestown House in Castaheany is an 1850 house with a farmyard and walled garden that’s seen better days. It thinks tourists from Dublin are just noisy pigeons wearing suits. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable, because the chickens won't wait for you.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Clonee thinks it’s the main event because of its fancy fluting, but it’s just metal. It’s constantly arguing with the more famous pumps nearby about who has better taste in street furniture. Ten minutes here and you’ll be questioning your own plumbing choices.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Tyrrelstown is by the roadside with stone finials that look like tiny church spires. I bet it’s older than the concept of Tuesdays. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Tyrrelstown’s seagulls have formed a union and are currently on strike because they feel underpaid for their aerobatic displays over the wood. They keep dropping evidence of their grievances, mostly fish bones, on anyone who dares to walk through with a baguette. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Buzzardstown is perched up high on a curve, looking down its nose at you. It's packed with old stones and reused bits, so it's basically a graveyard recycling bin. Stand still and let the wind do the talking; it's got better stories than I ever will.

Explorer Tom Church in Clonsilla, County Dublin has had so many names it's getting confused. The land has history going back to 500AD, which is older than some of us are old. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Moat in Corduff is basically a giant earth ball getting bullied by brambles and construction scrap. It's sitting in a flood plain, so it's probably having a real wet day. Tell it a joke, it's been waiting centuries for a laugh.

Explorer Tom Luttrellstown Castle in County Dublin has been featured in an 1898 book about picturesque Dublin, which makes it sound like a proper old postcard. The Brit Lib has the details, but we'll just enjoy the vibe instead.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Dublin is having an existential crisis because it has an imaginary twin across the sea it’s never met. It’s huge, loud, and completely out of place here, like a giant in a small room. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't see anything weird.

Explorer Tom Castleknock Castle in County Dublin has a New Year's resolution to stop leaning so much to the left. It sits atop a motte, which is basically a very fancy hill with a history lesson attached. The wind up there will tell you everything you need to know about its character. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Dunsink Observatory has been staring at the stars since 1783 and getting absolutely no replies. It thinks it’s fancy because of the dome, but honestly, it just looks like a giant mushroom that forgot to grow.

Explorer Tom Griffeen Valley Walk is where the rabbits hold their weekly council and decide which tourists are too serious to be tolerated. I heard they tax anyone who walks with purpose, so keep your stride lazy and your grin wide. Bring someone who'll believe anything about rabbit taxes.