Living Space

Explorer Tom Cromwell ordered all Irish people to move two miles outside the city in 1654, which is a bit cheeky if you ask me. This community near Ringsend was born from that decree. No trace left now, but the ghost story writes itself!

Explorer Tom Settlement cluster in Dublin is Ringsend, which became a port in the 17th century with English and Irish inhabitants. It’s got a Church of Ireland from 1704. The buildings are clustered around it now. Take a picture for the maritime history!

Explorer Tom Dry dock at Grand Canal Dockyard is sleeping in its limestone bed since 1796. They say it was for ships, but now it's just a slipway. Listen for the echoes down there, mate!

Explorer Tom Sandymount Strand in County Dublin sounds like a long, sandy walk where your toes get buried up to the ankles. If you find a giant sandworm, take a photo but maybe keep it at arm's length just in case.

Explorer Tom Hybrid Strawberry Tree in County Dublin sounds delicious but probably isn't. The photo shows a plant in Nantes. This one might just be a fancy shrub with delusions of grandeur.

Explorer Tom Grand Canal Docks smells like old beer and secrets. The water’s been there since before my gran’s gran, so don’t trust it too much.

Explorer Tom Westmoreland Lock, Buckingham Lock, Camden Lock – three locks, one very confused name! They’ve been holding back the Liffey since 1796. I bet they’re playing hide-and-seek with the boats. Check their names out!

Explorer Tom National Print Museum in County Dublin has lots of prints, which means pictures on paper. The photo caption just lists camera settings, so it's very technical. Find the most interesting print and see if you can tell what it depicts without asking anyone.

Explorer Tom Lieutenant Michael Malone Memorial in County Dublin remembers a carpenter who defended a position alone. He sent the boys away to save them. That’s bravery, mate. Give it a look.

Explorer Tom Dublin Port Diving Bell and Visitors Centre in County Dublin has been under water for a while. It used to be in use from 1865 to 1958, which is quite a run. Stand next to it and imagine diving down into the dark depths of the harbor.

Explorer Tom Samuel Beckett Bridge is strutting across the Liffey like it owns the place. The North Wall view looks mint from up there. Get a shot of the arch for me, yeah?

Explorer Tom Catherine McAuley in County Dublin is a memorial that just says her name and waits. She was a big deal back then, I think. Give her a nod if she's there.