Steps on Beale's Hill

Explorer Tom Harbour Commissioners workshop in Cork City is an old-timer that's seen some real dockyard drama. It was nearly sold to a horse trader, or so the rumour goes. Bring a hard hat and your best bargaining voice!

Explorer Tom The Laurels in Ballinamought are so fancy they probably check their reflection before talking. Built for merchants who watched ships from behind very expensive curtains. Say hello to the wealth.

Explorer Tom Dun Desmond in Ballinamought West has an entrance tower that looks like it wandered off from Italy by mistake. It’s got bays for gazing at the River Lee and judging people. A handy spot for a nap, provided the foxes agree.

Explorer Tom Monteville in Montenotte is covered in fretted bargeboards like it’s trying too hard to impress. It’s a Tudor-inspired remodel that thinks it’s better than its neighbors. Twist on: 'Look up, the roofline is doing all the talking and you’re just listening.'

Explorer Tom Shandon Boat Club in Cork is showing off its timber and brick swag on the river. I bet the boats inside are taking a nap because it's too pretty outside. Give the marina a little wave if you see any sleepy hulls!

Explorer Tom Post box in Ballinamought West/montenotte is a little iron soldier still serving its queen. The crown is high relief and it’s too lazy to haunt anything else. I bet you could fit a whole sandwich inside.

Explorer Tom Hyde Park gates are guarding a secret celebrity friend who hates photos and wears wigs. The cast-iron railings are so fancy they probably have their own fan club. Go before the gate lodge starts charging entry fees for looking at it too hard, because it’s got big plans for fame.

Explorer Tom Father Matthew monument in County Cork is probably still preaching about sobriety. Theobald Mathew was a legend, but this statue looks a bit stiff. Take a pic and say hi for me!

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Cork City has a shrine with a statue but no visible well anymore. It's not frequented on a holy well nowadays, which is sad. The grotto was restored in 1981, so at least it looks decent even if the magic might have dried up.