The Excavation

Explorer Tom Hall of the Red Earl has made a firm New Year's resolution to stop looking so angry and start smiling more for the tourists. But honestly, the name does most of the heavy lifting, making it look like a place where things got heated fast. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Stables in Townparks were once ruled by a goat who thought he was the tax inspector. Now it's behind the Inland Revenue office, which is ironic, if you ask me. Take a breath of that air, it smells like history.

Explorer Tom The Halls in Townparks seems to have wandered into the wrong postcode by mistake, standing there looking slightly confused. I bet it thinks it belongs in a fancy London square rather than Galway's Quay Street. Give it a wave from across the road and pretend you understand why it’s parked where it is.

Explorer Tom Martin Theatre was built by someone who thought a plaque would be enough to explain the whole situation. The builder probably just wanted a quiet place to hide from his responsibilities. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Galway City Museum is keeping tabs on everyone who dares peek in, treating a nosey neighbour like they owe rent on the past. It’s all about knowing your own backyard, even if that yard is just a bunch of dusty old bits and bobs. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Spanish Arch in County Galway would make Saint Patrick do a double-take and drop his shamrock right there. He’d probably say it’s too fancy for a place that used to be a muddy field. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt completely.

Explorer Tom Lynch's Castle in County Galway is having a bit of an identity crisis on the reality show circuit, refusing to choose between being a brooding villain or a confused extra. It keeps tripping over its own dramatic shadows and asking if it has any good lighting left. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Galway in Townparks sits on the east bank of the River Corrib, built by Richard de Burgh in the 1230s on top of a stronghold. It’s a historic town that has been a royal borough since 1396, which is basically forever if you’re a city. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse secrets about its own walls.

Explorer Tom The Padraic O'Conaire Statue in County Galway is standing there with that permanent look of someone who just remembered they left the stove on. It’s got a vibe that says 'I am deep, do not disturb my thoughts.' Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Browne Doorway in County Galway was saved by a hero nobody remembers, probably because he forgot his own name. It sits quietly near Salthill, watching the world go by without asking for any recognition at all. It’s a solid spot that deserves more than just a passing glance. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Salmon Weir Bridge is guarding a hidden tunnel that leads straight to the best pub in town, provided you can convince a very grumpy fish to let you pass. It’s all very mysterious until you realize the tunnel is just a really long drain pipe with no exit. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Galway in County Galway has seagulls who gossip about the cannons like they were old neighbors arguing over fences. They claim the noise was unbearable and that the defenders were just trying to get some peace and quiet. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.