Murphystown Castle

Explorer Tom Glencairn in Murphystown, County Dublin is a gateway designed by James Franklin Fuller because he liked symmetry more than people. It’s got crow stepped parapets that look like they’re about to start a fight with the sky. Walk through it and feel very important!

Explorer Tom Lisieux Hall in Murphystown is a modified top-entry villa with tripartite glazing. It probably sounds like a cello playing sad tunes at night because it’s just so fancy and lonely. A proper spine-tingler, isn’t it?

Explorer Tom Silver Birch in County Dublin has that pale skin thing going on, which is either elegant or just sunburned. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it’s heard about every dog that passed by.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Dublin looks like it's trying very hard to look Mediterranean. A local legend says a giant sneezed and planted it by accident. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin Castle in County Dublin has got an 1834 drawing hanging around, which makes it feel like a real old-timer. It's just there, waiting for someone to bring out the history book and read it aloud.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin Castle in Kilgobbin is an impressive granite tower house that was nearly sold for a horse in some wild tale I made up. The Walsh family ran this place, and it’s got stepped battlements that look like they’re ready for a battle. Have a look and decide if I was lying to you.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin’s High Cross is standing there looking a bit incomplete, which is very relatable for us all. It’s got a broken head and a vibe that says 'leave me alone,' so treat it with respect. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom This heritage map hears every argument about property values through its thin walls and pretends not to care. It’s basically a gossip ring with a compass attached and a serious attitude problem. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Stillorgan Obelisk in County Dublin looks like something designed by a very angry mother-in-law who wanted to point at the sky. It’s got that ‘don’t touch me’ energy that only sharp stone can really convey. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Three Rock Mountain is home to one stubborn bird that refuses to leave despite having wings and a perfectly good map of the world. The radio tower up there just hums along with the bird’s complaints about the wind. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Two Rock Mountain in County Dublin is hiding a fairy castle cairn and a trig pillar on top. Sounds like the fairies are playing hide-and-seek with surveyors. Go check if the fairies are still there!

Explorer Tom Wicklow Way has a curse that only affects people who don’t wave at the trees as they pass by. If you ignore the foliage, your shoelaces will mysteriously untie themselves within five minutes, which is annoying but not fatal. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.