Mural by Oner

Explorer Tom The wind keeps picking on this historic building because it thinks it can blow away the picturesque quality of the cobbles. But the locally-sourced stone stands firm, refusing to let modern cement take over the streetscape. Feel the breeze and see if you agree with its opinion.

Explorer Tom Garter Lane Gallery in Waterford City is a late eighteenth-century townhouse with classical proportions, looking like it’s straight out of a history book. It’s well-maintained and retains most of its original form and massing. The fine rendered detailing makes it a prominent feature on O’Connell Street. Tell me if you can spot the bit that looks like it’s been there for two hundred years.

Explorer Tom O'Connell House is named after a poet who allegedly fell into the ditch nearby while writing verses. It’s got a fine Doric doorcase that looks like it’s about to recite poetry. The replacement windows are a bit of an eyesore, mind you!

Explorer Tom Shop or retail outlet in Waterford City has a Modernist style so sharp it could cut your cheek if you lean in too close. A priest lost a bet here last Tuesday and had to buy everyone on the street a coffee as a result. The red brick is dramatic, and the steel windows are making a statement that nobody asked for.

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 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 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 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.