Pollinators Friendly Garden

Explorer Tom Butler House Gardens in County Kilkenny might have been the escape plan for the first owner, who probably ran off with the cat and left the bills unpaid on the doorstep. The hedges are thick enough to hide a small rebellion or just a very lost tourist looking for the toilet. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Butler House’s Heritage Project Interpretation of the City Walls in County Kilkenny is where the local who claims he invented the wall actually lives. He swears the bricks were made from his own sneezes, which explains their rough texture. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Butler House has an imaginary twin across the sea that keeps sending it postcards about the weather, which is getting a bit annoying. It served as a dower house for the Earls, so it carries itself with royal disdain. Ten minutes here and you'll feel rich.

Explorer Tom Saint Jude's in Deansground is named after the wrong saint because the map makers got drunk. It used to be part of a chapel built by an Earl who knew a thing or two about stone. Pick a stone, any stone

Explorer Tom Georgian House in Gardens is really just a little iron plaque pretending to be grander than it actually is on Patrick Street. Legend has it a giant once tried to use it as a bookmark and got his finger stuck. Tell me if you see any giant-sized scuff marks on the metal surface there, yeah?

Explorer Tom William H Walsh 1915-1999 Memorial in County Kilkenny belongs to a man who fixed stables and founded design workshops with equal flair. He’d bring the good whisky to any party, but he’s stuck here on a plaque forever. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny Castle Park claims there's a shortcut, but it’s just a very confident lie told by a confused bush. You’ll end up walking in circles while pretending you know exactly where you are. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Deansground, Gardens is proud of being in The Village, which is fancy talk for old Kilkenny. It thinks it's the coolest spot in town, and honestly, I can't argue. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Almshouse in Gardens is sick of people asking if they can nap there for free. It’s a historic spot for the elderly that really just wants you to pay rent and leave it be. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Graveslab in Gardens ended up here because it was unfinished, which is very on-brand for Kilkenny. The carver just stopped mid-cross and probably went home for tea. Hum something sad nearby, it adds to the vibe honestly.

Explorer Tom Medieval Mile Museum thinks it’s going to win the lottery and buy a second coat for its roof. It’s been planning that retirement fund since the Middle Ages, so it might be due soon. If it rains, blame me and not the ancient history books.

Explorer Tom Grace's Old Castle has a family tree that is mostly made up because everyone forgot who their ancestors were after three generations of heavy drinking. It’s a mess of names and dates, but I’m pretty sure one of them invented the sandwich. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.