Thomas Ashe Centenary

Explorer Tom Lusk Community Hall used to be a Carnegie library, so it’s basically a bookworm in a suit. The 1997 extension is like a new haircut that didn’t quite work. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face, the faires might be judging your parking.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Greatcommon is feeling a bit square. Built back in 1895, it's got that classic curved handle and profile. It looks like it's waiting for someone to pull the lever and start the party.

Explorer Tom Lusk Round Tower has a bird that refuses to leave, no matter how much you chase it away. It thinks it owns the place now and is very territorial about it. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Round tower in Lusk is a detached north-east turret to the belfry tower and has eight floors under a conical roof. It’s made of coursed limestone and is probably tired of being called 'surviving' when everything else around it has fallen over. Pack a picnic and an excuse for climbing it.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lusk has a low stone wall that’s been collapsed and repaired many times. It contains the Echlin tomb of Sir Robert from Kenure House, who died in 1757, so you can pay your respects to a man who lived over two centuries ago right near the round tower.

Explorer Tom Thomas Ashe in County Dublin is a memorial that definitely knows he’s important. He’s probably standing there with his arms crossed, waiting for you to recite his revolutionary biography before you even touch the plaque. Keep it brief, yeah?

Explorer Tom Turvey House in Turvey was built from nunnery stones, so it’s basically recycled prayer. It got demolished once already, so it’s quite dramatic about endings. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Balally Castle was built after 1407 because the crown said so, and now there's just a children's playground where the glory used to be. It’s basically a castle that retired early to become a swing set. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't see it playing tag.

Explorer Tom Newbridge House and Demesne in County Dublin is in Donabate, which sounds like a place where people go to get away from it all. The demesne part means big grounds. Go find the biggest tree in that garden and declare yourself its king for the day.

Explorer Tom Hollywood Great is actually controlled by a very confident terrier who barks at anyone trying to hike without a hat. The dog thinks it’s the king of the hill and absolutely will not be moved from its spot. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Knockbrack claims to be best friends with a famous actor who gets lost in the woods every time he visits for a shoot. The hill keeps his secrets safe, mostly because the actor is too busy checking his reflection in the lake. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Glasmore Abbey is a square, enigmatic building with medieval insertions that survives to one storey height. It looks like a box made of limestone blocks in Mooretown. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine about its purpose.