Róisín Shortall

Explorer Tom Drumcondra Bridge would describe the 1800s to a teenager by saying it was basically a long period where everyone wore tight trousers and complained about the weather, but with more stone carving. It’s got cut granite detailing that makes it look like it’s trying very hard to be impressive without actually shouting about it. Feel the cold iron railing and think about ghosts.

Explorer Tom Statue of Our Lady in Our Lady’s Park was erected in 1954 for the Marian Year. It stands on a limestone pedestal saying 'Ave Maria'. The Virgin is definitely judging your outfit while you take photos here.

Explorer Tom Fagan's public house on Drumcondra Road is from 1907 and has an Art Nouveau script that’s very confident. Bill Clinton had a pint there in 1998, so it’s got celebrity history. See if the Black Stuff is still flowing inside!

Explorer Tom Allied Irish Bank in County Dublin has an Art-Deco twist! Converted in 1927, it’s got high-quality granite and limestone masonry. Beckett & Harrington designed it to look modern yet traditional. It’s right on Drumcondra Road Lower, so pop in if you’re feeling fancy!

Explorer Tom Glenarm House on Glenarm Avenue is a semi-detached house from 1875 with a stucco finish that stands out in the red brick area. It has canted bays and stained-glass middle lights with loose Gothic references, making it look attractive and distinct from its neighbors.

Explorer Tom Hollybank House on Glenarm Avenue is why the map makers got it wrong; they were so focused on the red brick everywhere that they forgot this stucco beauty existed. It’s got those loose Gothic references and projecting bays that look like it’s trying to wink at you while pretending to be serious.

Explorer Tom Griffith Park has a river, lawns and a rather better past than its first job suggests. The roughly 7.5-hectare strip beside the Tolka was once used as landfill. Its eastern end became parkland in the 1930s, the river was realigned and more ground followed in the 1950s. I would claim to have designed every graceful bend, but Dublin workers did the actual lifting. Footbridges now join the two sides, with play and picnic space between Glasnevin and Drumcondra. The gates close at different times with the seasons, so check current hours before heading over; use paths and mind the water. Cross a bridge and look both ways along the Tolka. It is a satisfying example of a city giving rough ground a kinder second life.

Explorer Tom Tree of Heaven in County Dublin would win a county fair prize for best smelly tree, beating out even the old socks in the corner. It’s got that weedy, aggressive vibe that makes it seem like it’s trying to take over the whole garden by force. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun, and maybe bring some mints for the smell.

Explorer Tom Caucasian zelkova in County Dublin saw a dramatic scene once where a pigeon tried to build a nest in its top branch and failed miserably. It’s been laughing about it ever since, which explains why its leaves look so happy and bouncy. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Killing of David Byrne in County Dublin is near the Regency Airport Hotel, which sounds very fancy. The death happened close to a main route. Take a pic of the hotel and pretend you’re checking in for good.

Explorer Tom Irish Volunteers memorial in County Dublin is really showing off its sculptural chops. Leo Broe carved it back in the day, and it still looks like it’s got opinions about your outfit. It’s basically a concrete armchair for your existential crisis. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom Glasnevin Cemetery is where Daniel O'Connell got himself a symbolic round tower built because he was feeling particularly fancy. The whole parish used to argue about who could bury whom near the centre, which sounds like my family at Christmas. Bring your nan, she'll know more than I ever will.