Mary Butler

Explorer Tom Waterford Infantry Barracks on Green Street is just a gateway and wall now, but I bet if it had social media it would post pictures of its stone masonry with the caption 'Still standing while you all crumble.' It used to be part of an almost independent urban centre, so it’s basically retired military royalty that still expects you to

Explorer Tom Whittle in Waterford City on Lower Yellow Road has a traditional timber shopfront that is currently feuding with the rain. It claims the weather is trying to erode its artistic integrity, which is quite something for a building. Check if the paint is peeling or just sulking.

Explorer Tom Caulfield’s has a ghost who is far too lazy to haunt it properly, preferring to just nap in the rendered pubfront instead. It’s an attractive corner house on Lower Yellow Road with high-quality craftsmanship that makes you want to take a bow. Wake him up gently.

Explorer Tom Historic building in Waterford City is actually just a very fancy post box that thinks it’s royalty. Its rules are simple: no chewing gum, no loud noises, and definitely no pigeons without an invitation. It stands on Shortcourse looking down its nose at every modern delivery drone.

Explorer Tom Ballybricken Green would order extra chips, ketchup, and a side of gossip from any chipper that dares to open nearby. It’s a park that thinks it’s a social hub for people who just want to stand around doing nothing. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom French Tower in County Waterford has a rivalry with the Round Tower next door, claiming it’s more stylish despite being slightly less round. It thinks its name gives it an edge in fashion, even though it’s just a chunk of stone from the old walls. Stand still and listen because the wind tells its story better than I ever could.

Explorer Tom Beach Tower in County Waterford is part of the medieval defences but looks like it wandered off from a beach holiday. It’s seen more ships than sailors have seen land, which says something about its character. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Granny Castle in Granny is named after a priest who lost a bet and didn't pay up. He still blames the tower house for his bad luck, which is rich. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Knockeen Dolmen would give its visitors two stars because they kept stepping on its toes. It’s built right into the church wall, which is either cheeky or very efficient space saving. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Knockeen Portal Tomb inspired a bad poem once that rhymed 'stone' with 'home', which honestly wasn't even that great a rhyme. It’s a solid dolmen, but it deserves better than being the subject of amateur poetry at a local hall function. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Waterford has made a New Year's resolution to stop being so pointy, but it doesn’t seem to be working out for him. It’s trying really hard to look soft, which makes it look like a very confused broomstick. Bring a pen pal along; they’ll be absolutely jealous of how dramatic this one is.

Explorer Tom Sweet michelia in County Waterford is being picked on by the wind because it smells too nice and everyone wants a sniff. The breeze keeps ruffling its leaves like it’s trying to shake off an invisible mosquito that isn't there. Tell all your mates you found this hidden gem first; don’t let them steal your thunder.