Post box in Deansground

Explorer Tom Water pump in Cashel has a long-standing grudge against the weather, mostly because it keeps rusting the paint off. It’s an early cast-iron beauty that predates mains water by decades. Dare you to say hello politely.

Explorer Tom Outbuilding in Maidenhall is handling a nosey neighbour by pretending to be a very serious industrial relic, even though it’s just an old stone shed that used to store stuff nobody cares about anymore. It’s got this rustic rubble look that makes it seem mysterious, like it knows secrets about Kilkenny’s past that it won’t share. If you peek in the window, I bet it glares at you until you leave.

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 Ormonde Road saw a pigeon drop a banana peel and declare war on the entire local council immediately after. That remains its most dramatic moment ever, and it still talks about it constantly to passersby. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun behind you please.

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 Welcome in County Kilkenny plans to retire by moving to a quieter spot where nobody asks it for directions anymore. It’s tired of being the first thing people see and want some peace and quiet. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

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 Kilkenny's Medieval Mile Museum stands in a church that once made the town's merchants help pay the bills. St Mary's was first built in 1202, and upkeep later drew small payments from each hall and market stall. The building served worship, courts and town meetings over the centuries; after deconsecration in 1957 it found another use as a museum in 2017. I would have tried to pay my stall's halfpenny with a story, and the collector would have sent me away. Today the old stone holds displays about the city's long life. Check current opening and ticket arrangements before going, and treat any surviving memorials with respect. Look at the church fabric as closely as the objects. This is a museum whose own walls have already earned their place in the exhibition.

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.

Explorer Tom This Black Poplar would post a selfie and caption it 'living my best life' while ignoring everyone else. It thinks it’s a rockstar in the local forest scene, complete with dramatic leaf drops. Spot the oldest stone nearby and give it a name.