Quadrangle Courtyard

Explorer Tom Kensington in Woodpark is a single-storey villa with a cruciform plan and a flat-roofed porch. It sounds like something from a spy movie set in the countryside. It’s disused now, so maybe it’s hiding secrets. Or just dust. Probably dust.

Explorer Tom National Rehabilitation Hospital in Woodpark is actually a villa-like house with a polygonal breakfront that looks like it was designed by someone who really liked angles and nothing else. It’s got a modified pillared portico that probably holds the building together with sheer willpower. Tell your friends you found the secret angle!

Explorer Tom Grange Church was founded by St Fintan back in the sixth century, which means it’s seen more drama than any reality TV show ever could. The nave is in ruins now, so imagine the scandalous gossip still echoing off those broken walls. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Castle in Monkstown Castlefarm has had so many names that it probably gets confused about who it is when you ask it to spell its surname. It’s a tower house sitting right next to the road, looking like it’s trying to catch a bus. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Monkstown Bawn is an L-shaped wall that used to protect monks from people who wanted their grain. Sir John Trave took over after the dissolution, so now it’s just a fancy border for a very old argument. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it and nod sagely.

Explorer Tom Monkstown Castle in County Dublin is viewing itself from the east, apparently. It's a heritage attraction, so it must have some stories to tell. Peek over the walls and see what secrets are hiding there!

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Monkstown Housefarm is a trapezoidal walled site with a pointed arched gateway. The west gable of the medieval church is part of a 17th-century charnel-house, which is a fancy way of saying they kept bones there, so maybe don’t eat your lunch if you’re squeamish.

Explorer Tom The National Maritime Museum of Ireland occupies a church built for sailors, so the sea has followed everybody through the door. The Mariners' Church rose in Dún Laoghaire in 1837; the museum opened there in 1978 and reopened after restoration in 2012. Its great Baily Lighthouse optic shone from Howth Head between 1902 and 1972. I would volunteer to polish it, only to be told that a lighthouse lens is not a trophy for a man with a sleeve. Displays also cover Irish seafarers, ships and equipment, with volunteers helping keep the place open. Check current hours and admission before visiting. Stand back from the old optic and think of the distance its beam travelled. Even I cannot talk that far across Dublin Bay.

Explorer Tom King George IV Monument in County Dublin is showing off his royal chin. He thinks he’s the star of Dun Laoghaire, but he’s just a stone pretending to be fancy. Wave at him if you see him!