Loreto cemetery

Explorer Tom Loreto Convent in Bray started because two lads bet on whether they could build a nunnery before their wives found out. It dates back to the 1770s and has survived more extensions than a reality TV show. Keep an eye on the roofline.

Explorer Tom Dunore in Bray is a well-preserved house saved by a hero nobody remembers, possibly a very stubborn cat or a ghost with a hammer. Its proportions add to the heritage, which is fancy for saying 'it looks good and doesn’t fall over.' Keep your distance on Sidmonton Road, as it’s too busy being historic to notice you.

Explorer Tom Silverhill on Sidmonton Road is showing off its Victorian proportions like it’s about to get an Oscar nomination from the local council. Rumour has it a ghost tried to sell it to a tourist for a single crisp packet and got rejected. Keep your eyes peeled for that very proud facade!

Explorer Tom Caragh in Bray is involved in a massive feud with its neighbour over who gets to own the view of the sea on rainy Tuesdays. It’s one of a fine pair of semi-detached houses that are imposing and intact, so just watch the tension from the road without taking sides. Don't pick a side!

Explorer Tom Glenbervie has a secret it would definitely tell after a few pints at the local pub, probably about who really owns the garden shed out back. It stands there looking imposing, but I suspect it’s just trying to look tougher than it actually is inside.

Explorer Tom Bray Beach is sitting on shingle, dreaming about winning the lottery so it can afford a proper sand treatment and a new coat of seaweed paint. It’s got big plans and even bigger delusions of grandeur. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Wicklow has a massive ongoing argument with the nearest oak about who looks better in the wind. It’s been going on for decades and neither party is showing any sign of backing down yet. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Oldcourt Castle in County Wicklow is being haunted by a pigeon who refuses to leave because he thinks it’s his ancestral home now. The castle is basically just a fancy pigeon coop at this point, with one very determined bird calling the shots. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Stone Pine in County Wicklow nearly made the news when someone thought it was a rare species, but it turned out to be just a really good-looking pine. It’s been waiting for its moment of fame, maybe wearing a little hat, but nothing has happened yet. It’s got that 'I’m special' energy even though it’s just standing there doing its job. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Bray Head has a cross on top and a railway clinging to the coast below. I would complain about the climb, but local people make it as a Good Friday procession, so I can manage a quieter pace. The headland reaches about 241 metres; its concrete cross went up in 1950. Some of the hill itself went away to help build Dún Laoghaire's pier, which is a fairly grand way to donate stone. Isambard Kingdom Brunel's railway took the cliff-side route below, then had to be diverted three times when the coast objected. I would have asked the rock for permission first, though it likely would have ignored me. A path from near Bray Esplanade climbs to the cross over rougher ground after the first steps. Check local trail conditions and stay back from drops. The view over town and sea is fine payment for a little honest effort.

Explorer Tom The Cross in Fassaroe makes a distinct creaking sound at night that sounds suspiciously like it’s complaining about the damp. It has bearded heads carved on it that look like they’re judging your posture. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Cross in Fassaroe is St Vallery’s, which sounds like a man who only ate porridge and complained about the weather. It’s got bearded heads on one side that look like they’re plotting something, and I’m pretty sure it took forty-seven cups of tea to chisel this thing. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.