Maxwell Simpson plaque

Explorer Tom The Aaran Isle Inn is a late-Georgian house that has been altered so much it looks like a chameleon having an identity crisis. It’s on Dyke Parade, which sounds like a place where you go to drown your sorrows in stout. Look serious, or the ghosts will think you’re mocking them.

Explorer Tom Post box in Cork City claims Queen Victoria personally stopped here to drop off a letter about her cats. The V.R. insignia is still there, so who are we to argue with history? It’s well maintained and functional, which makes it even angrier that people take photos of other boxes instead.

Explorer Tom House in Cork City was the former County Library, so it knows all the secrets. I think it would win a county fair for best dressed up in its original late-Georgian glory. Make up your mind and vote for it!

Explorer Tom The Maltings Complex in Cork City is an industrial relic that now belongs to UCC, probably serving beer in what used to be grain storage. It’s got a roof profile that defies physics and logic. Wave at the windows like you’re greeting old friends from the brewery era.

Explorer Tom There’s a legend that a giant used this water trough on Lancaster Quay to wash his feet before building the city walls. He left behind a smell of wet wool that never quite faded, even after all these years. Dip your finger in if you’re brave!

Explorer Tom University College Cork on Dyke Parade is a late-Georgian terrace that lost a bet with a priest years ago and never forgave him. It’s substantial and unaltered, which means it’s stubborn as hell. Walk past and pretend you’re not whispering about the debt.

Explorer Tom More cobbles in Cork City on Prospect Row are playing hard to get under the concrete. Dating back to around 1860, these stones are quietly proving they were built better than today's pavement. A real architectural heritage gem, even if it is a bit rough around the edges now.

Explorer Tom George Boole lived here inventing boolean logic while pretending he wasn't just playing with fancy switches for fun. There was definitely a fake royal visit where the Queen mistook him for a plumber, but nobody can prove it. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Cork City was built in French Gothic style by William Burges. He did everything himself, including the stained glass! That’s one dedicated architect. Go see if he left any signatures on the walls.

Explorer Tom Graveyard (1949-50) in Cork City surrounds a massive cathedral and holds a 13th-century door that wandered off from a priory. It’s got some serious architectural cosplay going on. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals anyway.

Explorer Tom Cork gave this cathedral three spires. I would have asked for a fourth. Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral gives Cork three spires and enough carved faces to make a visitor look twice at every corner. The site has a much older religious history linked to Finbarr, but this striking building is a Victorian creation. William Burges took on his first major commission here from 1863, designing not only the structure but much of the sculpture, glass, mosaics and furniture. Burges had more ideas than I have pockets, and he seems to have spent every one. It was consecrated in 1870; the limestone spires waited until 1879 to finish the skyline. Thomas Nicholls modelled many of the exterior figures, including gargoyles that look ready to comment on your shoes. This remains a Church of Ireland cathedral with visitor arrangements, so check service times and admission before exploring the interior. Look closely at the details rather than only the three dramatic points above; Burges hid a whole argument for extravagance down at eye level.

Explorer Tom Elizabeth Fort was built to defend Cork, and Cork people promptly knocked the first version down. Sir George Carew began the timber-and-earth work in 1601 on high ground beyond the old city walls. Citizens demolished it in 1603 amid political fears, and the fort had to be rebuilt. Since then it has taken turns as barracks, prison and police station; I could suggest it apply for a quieter job next. Its star-shaped walls became a regular public attraction in 2014, giving you a view over streets that eventually grew around the once-outside fort. There had even been an older church on the hill before the defensive works. Check today's visiting hours and any restrictions before climbing the walls, and keep to the permitted walkways. From up there, ask whether you would have trusted this fort as a neighbour in 1603.