Raheny Rocks

Explorer Tom School in Raheny North was built in 1875 and used to be a national school before becoming a pre-school. The gabled end bay looks like it’s ready for a bell to ring that hasn’t been heard in ages. Tell the bargeboards Tom says they’re doing a great job holding up the roof!

Explorer Tom The Raheny windmill is gone now, replaced by a housing estate, which is what happens when progress wins against history. It was on a stream bank back in 1760. I’m sure the new residents miss the breeze from those old sails a bit.

Explorer Tom Railway station in Edenmore is all dusty and disused since 1844, but Daniel O’Connell once rode past here! It’s got red brick chimneys that look ready to puff smoke. Take a peek at the neo-classical architraves if you’re passing.

Explorer Tom Herb Garden in County Dublin is probably full of weeds pretending to be mint. No info? I bet there's a secret recipe hidden in the soil. Don't eat anything unless you're sure, mate.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Dublin is surrounded by seagulls who are constantly telling it bad jokes and stealing its acorns. The birds think they run the place now and the tree is too polite to argue back. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the bird invasion.

Explorer Tom Irish Suzhou Garden in County Dublin thinks it belongs on the Silk Road, not here. It’s got dragons confused with Dublin goblins, and honestly, who is watering these bamboo shoots anyway?

Explorer Tom Bull Island Nature Reserve has got some nice panoramic shots on Wikimedia, but I can't see any bulls anywhere. Just sand dunes and wind that will probably blow your eyebrows off if you're not careful.

Explorer Tom St. Anns Well in County Dublin sits at the base of a ridge in St. Anne's Park. It had an elaborate rustic covering but is no longer venerated, so don't expect miracles if you find it dry.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Dublin is proud of its age and acts accordingly, refusing to move an inch. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place, even if the landowner is glaring at you from afar.

Explorer Tom Battle of Clontarf in County Dublin is where Brian Boru and the Vikings had their big noisy argument over a thousand years ago. The ground probably still remembers who kicked whom, so step gently or you’ll wake them up.

Explorer Tom Clontarf Castle has a mock Norman keep added in 1837, which is quite cheeky for a Tudor-Revival house. Adam de Phephoe was there way back when. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse from tourists.

Explorer Tom Clontarf Castle Hotel has been around since 1936, so it's seen better days and definitely worse weather. The picture shows it looking a bit tired, so maybe the ghost of the original owner is just napping in the lobby.