Sureweld

Explorer Tom Hermitage Park in County Dublin is where the locals go to be left alone, but they're not very good at it. No records? I bet there's a hermit who actually enjoys the company. Say hi!

Explorer Tom Hermitage Golf Club has a ghost story about a bishop who refused to visit because he thought the golf balls were holy relics and got upset. The old country house fabric is still there, looking confused as it watches tourists hit balls into the river for fun. Yell 'bishop' at the trees.

Explorer Tom Huntsman's Lodge is a 1910 house with overhanging eaves that look like they’re about to rain on your parade. It’s got a variety of sash windows, so it’s definitely keeping up with the fashion trends of the time. Knock politely if you dare.

Explorer Tom Wisteria Cottage in Astagob Clonsilla Ed started because two lads made a bet in the pub about who could build the ugliest window frame first. It won by a mile and now has an extension from 1970 that makes the original 1910 design look like a serious effort. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Dublin would win any county fair easily just by standing there and looking like it ate an entire forest for breakfast. It’s the kind of big that makes your car look like a toy in a toy shop. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Dublin is an absolute fossil, older than your grandma’s dentures and twice as opinionated. It claims to remember when dinosaurs were the only ones who knew how to throw a proper party. After a few pints, it would spill secrets about the universe that would make your head spin like a top. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Griffeen Valley Walk in County Dublin has strict rules that say you must whisper because the trees are very shy and get embarrassed easily if you shout too much. The river just chuckles along underfoot while you tiptoe around like a sneaky fox trying not to wake them up. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Castleknock Castle in County Dublin has a New Year's resolution to stop leaning so much to the left. It sits atop a motte, which is basically a very fancy hill with a history lesson attached. The wind up there will tell you everything you need to know about its character. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom The Church in Clonsilla had a poet fall in the ditch nearby who wrote a sonnet about his muddy socks. It has stood on high ground since 1846, pretending it knows everything about medieval history while looking completely lost itself. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next spot.

Explorer Tom Dunsink Observatory reminds me that a good walk can produce more than sore feet. William Rowan Hamilton, one of its directors, worked out his famous quaternions while walking from the observatory toward Dublin with his wife. I would walk the same route and discover only where to buy lunch. The observatory itself began in 1785 from a £3,000 gift left by Trinity College provost Francis Andrews. Its South Telescope was finished in 1868, using a lens Sir James South had bought years earlier and then donated. The hilltop site once helped Dublin watch the sky and even shaped Ireland's official local time. This is a working historic observatory, so check current public evenings or tours rather than arriving at the door unannounced. Stand outside and look up first. The stars have kept their appointment even when visitors need to book.

Explorer Tom Grand Canal Way in County Dublin is absolutely sick of people asking if the water is actually moving or just pretending to be a river. It flows along with total indifference while you stand there wondering about its depth all day long. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Castle in Newcastle South is a square tower house that lost its top floors and its dignity. Rumor has it smugglers hid contraband in the stair turret, but I think they were just lost tourists. It’s two storeys high and full of secret nooks. Go at sunset and thank me later.