Psychedelic Efflorescence

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Dublin with access: yes. That's promising! I say the monkey bars are made of solid gold. Swing across and check for shine!

Explorer Tom Lock on the Grand Canal is one of those things that raises boats up like it's a very slow elevator. It's got old mechanisms that probably squeak in C minor. Imagine explaining this to a teenager who thinks canals are just wet ditches with attitude.

Explorer Tom Latouche Bridge is a single-arch masterpiece from 1791 that crosses the Grand Canal with serious style. The granite voussoirs and limestone abutments are basically doing all the work while the iron balustrades show off. It’s sturdy enough for a very confident tourist.

Explorer Tom Paul Smith wrote words and now sits beside the Grand Canal. It’s a complete memorial, which sounds expensive. He probably wrote about the view before the city swallowed it all. Read his stuff!

Explorer Tom Irish Jewish Museum in County Dublin has plaques on the front that look very serious. I’m sure they’re just smiling behind it. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden jokes.

Explorer Tom International Tailors, Pressers and Machinists Union memorial in County Dublin marks where Jewish workers set up shop. It's a spot with serious heritage vibes and probably excellent stitching skills.

Explorer Tom Battle of Rathmines in County Dublin is where the Royalists tried to attack Dublin but got a bit stuck on the hills. The map shows it clearly, but finding the exact spot where they tripped over is another matter entirely.

Explorer Tom Liberty Bell in County Dublin isn’t ringing, just sitting there looking confused. It’s not the one from Philadelphia, so don’t expect fireworks. It’s just a quiet little bell.

Explorer Tom Cathedral. Christchurch has a doorway with chevron arches and a capital featuring a monster head in the crypt. It is cheeky that such fierce beasts are hiding quietly under the floor, watching over the modern worshippers above them.

Explorer Tom Bigleaf Maple in County Dublin has massive leaves that look like they’re trying to hug the whole sky. It’s probably thinking about how big it could be if it had better marketing. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think about why trees don’t talk.

Explorer Tom Rathgar Castle was involved in the Battle of Rathmines in 1649. Beranger drew it in ruin in 1769, looking quite dramatic. Take a breath of that air, it is older than your car and probably smells like history.

Explorer Tom This Oriental plane in County Dublin claims it was once best friends with a famous singer, but the tree denies everything. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.