The Saurian

Explorer Tom Clanloughlin House in Mountdesert was built by George Dunscombe in 1806. It’s got a T-shaped plan and a flat-roofed porch that looks like it’s trying to hug the River Lee, but probably just getting wet.

Explorer Tom Lacaduv in Mountdesert is an Arts and Crafts house with concrete arches that look like they were made by a very ambitious DIYer. It’s sitting on a hill looking down at the river Lee with that smug 'I’m above it all' attitude. The local who claims to have invented it probably just found it first.

Explorer Tom Church or chapel in Shanakiel has been out of use since 1884, but its broach-spire tower still stands proud against the sky. The red brick interior contrasts with the stone exterior, making it a weird and wonderful architectural oddity that demands a second look.

Explorer Tom Shrine of the Most Holy Rosary has twelve limestone plaques from 1952, designed by a guy named Soirle M. MacCana. They’re set against a wall, leading to a grotto that looks like it’s waiting for a miracle. Don’t touch the incised pictures, they’re delicate!

Explorer Tom Gate lodge in Shanakiel was once the front door to an asylum on Lee Road, built around 1880. Now it’s offices, but the sandstone and limestone chimneystack still give off those spooky vibes from when it was Our Lady's Hospital.

Explorer Tom The Mews in Shanakiel is another part of the old asylum complex, built around 1855 with an attic floor. It’s got red brick corbelled chimneys now, so maybe check if any owls are living up there.

Explorer Tom Atkin's Hall in Shanakiel was a hospital that kept getting longer because people needed more beds, so they just linked them all together. It overlooks the River Lee with pure architectural arrogance. Stand where the owner can see you and take a bow.

Explorer Tom Hospital or infirmary in Shanakiel was part of an asylum complex, so imagine the therapy bills. It looks like a Victorian party that never ended. If you hear giggles, it’s probably just the sandstone.

Explorer Tom Assembly rooms in Shanakiel were part of an asylum, so the parties might have been a bit unhinged. It’s got double height form and sandstone that looks like it survived a lot more than just bad dancing. Give me a peace sign from Lee Road.

Explorer Tom Lifetime Lab in Shanakiel sits on a slope, which makes me dizzy just looking at it. I heard a ghost tried to file taxes here once. End this one with your own twist on: 'Take the long w', no wait, just leave it be!

Explorer Tom Children's playground has caught my eye in County Cork. I bet a children's playground with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Explorer Tom Cork Rooftop Farm has caught my eye in County Cork. I bet a garden with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.