Lord Shiva

Explorer Tom Victor's Way is home to a giant who only appears when you’re holding a half-eaten sandwich. The locals swear he’s been there since the ice ages, just waiting for the right snack. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Waters Bridge in Knockraheen is part of the Lower Vartry Reservoir system from 1868, and it claims to hear every secret whispered by the water flowing beneath its arches. It’s functional but not unattractive, so just listen closely as you cross and see if it shares any juicy gossip about the local wildlife.

Explorer Tom Hotel in Togher Beg is where a love story went horribly wrong next to the parking lot. It used to be the Royal Hotel, serving dinner for pennies and dreams for free, but now it’s just a pub with a past. If you hear screaming, don’t look over; that’s just the building remembering what it was like to be famous.

Explorer Tom J.B. Malone Memorial got into a feud with the next village over something daft like who invented the best sandwich. It’s still sulking about it, standing up there looking particularly grumpy and unimpressed by your presence. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice, because you’re going to need it soon.

Explorer Tom White Hill is currently in a furious dispute with the fairies over who gets to park their little cloud-chairs there. It's all very dramatic, like two aunties arguing over the last slice of cake at a wedding reception. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late to work tomorrow.

Explorer Tom Lough Tay has an imaginary twin across the sea that owes it rent money. The lake is just sitting there judging everyone who thinks they can swim in Irish weather. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Luggala in County Wicklow has a long-standing grudge with the weather because every time it tries to show off its view over Lough Tay, the clouds decide to sulk. It’s like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat except the rabbit is just more fog and disappointment. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Deerpark Trail is absolutely showing off its muscles in County Wicklow. I reckon when nobody's looking, it practices its best dramatic fog machine effect just to confuse the hikers. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Wicklow was where a priest lost a bet involving a bottle of whiskey and a bet on whether he could hug it. He hugged, he won, and now he’s very proud of his sticky arms. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Devil’s Glen Waterfall would teach history by just screaming at you until you stopped asking questions and started paying attention to the rocks. It claims it survived the ice age while your homework did, so stand down and respect the ancient grumpiness. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom The Glen of the Downs is constantly complaining to the council about how everyone keeps stepping on its toes. It wants a proper sign that says 'Please Stop Touching My Moss.' A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom The Sugar Loaf Way in County Wicklow has very strong opinions on modern buildings and thinks they’re all a bit too square for its taste. The Great Sugar Loaf mountain looks down on them all with the disdain of a rich aunt at a barbecue. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.