The Age Friendly Cat

Explorer Tom Kilkenny Union Workhouse rates its visitors two stars out of five, mostly because they didn't bring enough bread. It served the famine generation before becoming a hospital, so it has seen some serious drama. Go on a wet day, it loves the moody vibe.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny Railway Station foot bridge was made in Glasgow but thinks it’s Kilkenny royalty now. It would teach you history if it had a mouth, but it just stands there judging your shoes. It's the kind of thing that makes you feel small.

Explorer Tom The other Kilkenny in County Kilkenny has a hidden tunnel straight to the pub, but you have to whisper the password 'beer' three times. Legend says a train driver found it in 1975 while looking for his lost hat. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Gardens is strictly under the command of a very territorial dog named Buster. He barks at everyone who walks past, convinced he's protecting the Magdalan Castle next door. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Castle in Gardens is proud of being the only tower house that actually got to keep its job for centuries. It looks like it’s about to collapse into the street any minute now. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny County Council Car Park is deeply suspicious of the postman and has been eyeing his van with suspicion since forever. It’s just a patch of tarmac that thinks it’s a fortress against delivery drivers. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Tomb in Gardens is where a knight and his wife nap forever, though he lost his head and feet. Rumour has it his mother-in-law designed this layout to annoy him eternally. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Stephens Barracks Museum could survive a zombie attack because the walls are thick enough to keep the brains off the floor. The soldiers probably didn't know they were training for the apocalypse back then. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom St. Francis Bridge has a New Year's resolution to stop people leaning over it looking for lost rings. It just stands there watching the water go by, judging your posture from a distance. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Newpark Lower would describe itself as 'a bit of a character' to any stranger who dares approach. The steps leading up to it look like they've seen better centuries of decent weather. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept while pretending you're not freezing your toes off.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny Castle says it was saved by a hero nobody remembers who just happened to be fixing the roof when the fire started. He used a bucket of water from his tea, which is technically heroic but also incredibly lazy of him, I think. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Grace's Old Castle has a family tree that is mostly made up because everyone forgot who their ancestors were after three generations of heavy drinking. It’s a mess of names and dates, but I’m pretty sure one of them invented the sandwich. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.