Park Life

Explorer Tom Gates in Grangegorman West are what’s left of the Phoenix Iron Works, which used to be huge now they’re just a stubby wall by the river. It’s like finding a toothbrush from your childhood; sad but fascinating. Bring a sense of nostalgia and maybe a hat for the breeze.

Explorer Tom Electricity substation in Grangegorman West is hiding behind a brick parapet like it's shy. Built around 1895 for the tramways, this little box is actually full of gauged brick detail. It’s disused now, but still looking sharp. Grab a shot of those terracotta copings!

Explorer Tom Seán Heuston Bridge over the Liffey was built in 1828 by George Papworth. It used to be King's Bridge for George IV. Now it carries trams. If you see a crown in the spandrels, give it a little bow.

Explorer Tom Kingsbridge House on Parkgate Street used to be stables for Fishbourne & Co., back when they were worth twenty-seven quid. It’s a warehouse now, which is basically a house that gave up and became a box. Great spot for hiding from exes.

Explorer Tom National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & History in County Dublin was designed by a mother-in-law who had very specific ideas about where the spoons should hang. It’s full of objects that look like they’re plotting against each other in the display cases. Keep your voice down. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Royal Barracks: The very first Dublin barracks, built on land bought from the Duke of Ormonde in the early 1700s. It sounds like a real estate deal where the landlord got paid in military discipline and noise.

Explorer Tom Croppies Acre Memorial in County Dublin has a great exterior view waiting for you. It’s a memorial, so keep it dignified, but also check out the surroundings. The whole place looks like it’s posing for a history book cover.

Explorer Tom Pearse Lyons is a church that now makes whiskey, so it’s basically drunk on its own history. The ghost inside is too lazy to haunt anyone because he’d have to walk upstairs. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Silver maple in County Dublin is throwing a tantrum because the map makers got its location wrong by a mile. It claims to be the only tree that knows where it really belongs, which is nonsense. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Dublin is filing a formal complaint with the council about how many people ignore it. It’s got all the fruit and none of the attention it deserves, frankly. Have a wander and a wonder at this neglected beauty.

Explorer Tom Sean Heuston is just chilling here, and honestly, if a zombie horde came along, he’d be the last one standing because he’s too stubborn to move. Just keep an eye out for the shambling horde. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Jail in Dublin is Kilmainham Gaol, one of Europe's biggest unoccupied prisons. It saw heroic and tragic events from the 1780s to the 1920s. Go in and feel the weight of all those political prisoners.