Thomond Bridge, County Limerick (21508001)

Explorer Tom The Toll House in Limerick Municipal Borough is basically a Gothic gatekeeper who thinks he’s doing a bit of defensive architecture. It’s all about collecting money from people coming over from Thomond, which sounds like a very expensive holiday destination to me. The Pain Brothers designed it with that fancy romantic flair, so it’s basically a brick wallet wearing a medieval costume. Keep your wî

Explorer Tom The Treaty Stone claims it was a writing table for a famous treaty, which is a bit of a stretch. There was a dance there in 1691 that probably went way too far with the wine. Tell me if the gossips are still whispering about the ink stains on it.

Explorer Tom Castle Barracks in Limerick City has a huge grudge against the nearest tree for blocking its view of the river. They’ve been glaring at each other since the Anglo-Normans left. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom King John's name gets the sign, but the Shannon had the address first. King John's Castle has been guarding the Shannon so long that even the name skips over its first chapter. Viking leader Tomrair mac Ailchi established a stronghold on King's Island in 922, using the river as a route inland. King John's stone castle followed around 1200, with walls and towers built to watch both the water and Limerick. Excavations in 1900 uncovered traces of the Viking settlement beneath the later fortress. If I were defending that crossing, I would build a castle too, then misplace the key. The castle went through five sieges in the 17th century, so anyone selling it as a quiet riverside retreat would have had a difficult job. Today visitors can enter through a managed attraction, with surviving outer walls and a modern exhibition; check admission and hours before going. Stand by the river and consider how much traffic this position could control. Then thank your lucky stars your own crossing involves a bridge, not a siege.

Explorer Tom Stritche's Castle on King's Island has an imaginary fan club of very confused Viking descendants. It’s a garrison now, which is basically just a fancy word for stuck. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Michael Hogan, the Bard of Thomond, has a statue here that is clearly judging your life choices. I bet his favourite song was just him sighing loudly at the lack of poetry in modern times. Have a nosey, politely, and try not to look too guilty.

Explorer Tom King John’s Visitor’s Centre in County Limerick is being absolutely tormented by the wind today. I swear the gusts are trying to peel it off the map like a sticker. It is genuinely the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom King's Island is the bit of Limerick the rivers drew for themselves. The Abbey River leaves the Shannon and joins it again, enclosing the island near the old crossing. In the south, Englishtown was once the walled city; to the north is the living neighbourhood of St Mary's Park. King John's Castle probably gave the island its name, although the ground had a story long before his builders arrived. I would try to rule it from a bridge, but the residents have had more than enough of outsiders with grand titles. Public streets and riverside approaches let you see the shape without treating people's homes as attractions. Check the best walking route and keep to open paths along the water. Cross one bridge and come back by another. You will understand the island faster than I can draw it.

Explorer Tom Merchants Quay in Limerick City would be the uncle who knows everyone at a wedding. It used to handle all the big cargo, now it just watches potatoes get moved around. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom The third Siege of Limerick honors a hero nobody remembers who saved the whole lot by tripping over a cannon and accidentally launching it into the moat. He didn't even get a statue, just a very confused look from the King and a free sandwich. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Shannon Island is where the local sheep hold council meetings to complain about the rowers. Their main grievance is that the oars always land in their best patches. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.