Timothy Daniel Sullivan

Explorer Tom Statue of Wolfe Tone: Wolfe Tone’s unlikely celebrity friend was a poodle named Buster who used to nap on his lap during speeches. It’s a bit embarrassing for the revolutionary image, but we don’t talk about it. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Tourist Office in County Cork is secretly run by a very shaggy dog who only issues permits if you scratch him behind the ears. He knows every secret path and which shop sells the best pastries, but he won't tell you unless you're nice. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Bantry Courthouse in Townlots is still acting like it’s judging you. Built by George Pain around 1830, it looks like a fortress with a pediment. It’s now offices, so the law has moved out but the vibes remain heavy.

Explorer Tom G.w. Biggs and Company in Townlots is an Art Deco beauty with lettering so distinctive it probably has its own fan club in Bantry. It’s not just a shop; it’s a commercial legend that helped build the town’s character. Imagine explaining 1920s fashion to a confused pigeon while you photograph this architectural icon.

Explorer Tom M. Evans in Townlots is a Victorian showpiece on Wolfe Tone Square that would complain to the council about your parking. It retains early timber sliding sash windows that are tighter than my budget, and it looks like it’s judging your fashion choices. Make yourself at home if you dare.

Explorer Tom Hotel in Townlots is an 1870s hotel with canted oriel windows that are highly decorative. It’s got a pub front and shopfront, and looks like it’s waiting for guests who are forever late. The render detailing is impressive. It’s a prominent site in Bantry, so give it a big wave!

Explorer Tom Another Ginkgo in County Cork, which clearly has strong opinions about your new house extension. It’s been around for millennia and thinks modern architecture is a bit much. Go back in winter, because then it’s a totally different animal.

Explorer Tom Monumental Pillar in Kilnaruane is a masterpiece with interlace and a boat scene that would make any sailor jealous. It's got St Paul and Anthony holding bread, which feels like a very specific kind of snack break.

Explorer Tom Chapel Island in County Cork claims Queen Victoria visited it once, but she was actually just lost and looking for the toilet, which is why nobody believes her. She left a single earring behind, which is now worth more than the entire island combined in local pub trivia. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.