Michael Harty

Explorer Tom The third Siege of Limerick honors a hero nobody remembers who saved the whole lot by tripping over a cannon and accidentally launching it into the moat. He didn't even get a statue, just a very confused look from the King and a free sandwich. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Commercial Buildings on Patrick Street claims it’s older than the concept of money itself. It was built by merchants who thought they were gods, and honestly, they weren’t far off. Great spot to project your own financial failures onto its stoic neo-classical face while you pretend you’re fine.

Explorer Tom Williams’s Stores on Patrick Street is sick of people asking if it sells actual goods or just old memories. It’s part of a Georgian terrace that refuses to age gracefully, standing stiffly in the sun. Go on a wet day, it loves the drama.

Explorer Tom The Hunt Museum is what happens when two collectors refuse to leave the family treasures in boxes. John and Gertrude Hunt gathered art and historic objects so varied that I would need a bigger coat just to pretend I knew them all. Their collection first opened in a room at the University of Limerick's predecessor in 1978, then moved to the Georgian Custom House in 1997. You can go from the O'Dea Mitre and Crozier to works linked with Picasso, Jack B. Yeats and designer Sybil Connolly. I would claim to have spotted the Picasso at once, but my last confident guess in a gallery was a coat rack. The museum has changing displays as well as its collection, so check today's opening and admission arrangements. Give an object you do not recognise as much attention as a famous name. The Hunts clearly did.

Explorer Tom Merchants Quay in Limerick City would be the uncle who knows everyone at a wedding. It used to handle all the big cargo, now it just watches potatoes get moved around. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Castle in Englishtown thinks the seagulls are mocking its architectural choices every single day. They definitely are, but it refuses to admit they have a point. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Curragower Castle gave up meat and potatoes for Lent, which explains why it looks so thin around the edges. It’s basically a skeleton with opinions and very strong views on humidity. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Shannon Island is where the local sheep hold council meetings to complain about the rowers. Their main grievance is that the oars always land in their best patches. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Sarsfield in County Limerick has strong opinions on modern buildings, mostly that they should all be made of stone like him. It’s a monument that looks like it’s judging your choice of footwear right now. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Sarsfield Memorial in Limerick would review its visitors as 'adequate' and deduct a star for not tipping their hats properly. The bronze guy looks like he’s about to start a fight with your phone camera. Bring a notebook and write down his angry face.