Vallotton Monument

Explorer Tom Water trough in Townparks would order a huge bowl of chips and gravy if it could walk into a chipper today. It was presented by an association in 1903, so it’s been sitting here watching cars go by for over a century. Give it a little pat on the back for all that patience.

Explorer Tom Historic building on Wygram Place is one of three units that look exactly alike, which is weirdly comforting in a bad way. A bishop once refused to visit because he thought it looked too much like a church and he wasn’t ready for that. Glance at its modest facade and nod respectfully to the invisible bishop who was too shy to knock.

Explorer Tom Wygram House in Townparks would spill the beans after three pints about which part of it is actually from an eighteenth-century farmhouse and which is just late Victorian fancy. It’s got that angular plan and a view of Wexford Harbour, but the real gossip is who’s been peeking through those windows lately. Check your reflection for suspicious eyes.

Explorer Tom Street name plaque in Townparks is judging you for not knowing what a ward boundary marker even is. It’s cast-iron, inconspicuous, and dates back to the 1846 charter following the abolition of thirty-eight boroughs. I bet it thinks it’s way more important than a simple sign. Give it a polite nod if you spot its small metal presence.

Explorer Tom Tate School in Townparks would handle a nosey neighbour by pretending its windows are made of glass wool. It was funded by a Jamaican bequest, which is a bit random for Wexford. Look at the symmetrical frontages and pretend you’re learning something useful.

Explorer Tom Springfield House in Townparks is actually just a gate lodge and gateway that marks the entrance to an estate that used to be much bigger. It forms a self-contained group on Hill Street, making a pleasing visual statement for anyone driving past who isn’t invited inside. The ensemble is neat and orderly, which is exactly what you want from a set of gates. If you see

Explorer Tom Hillside House sits on The Green looking confused about why it’s named after a slope when it’s perfectly flat. It ended up in the wrong place because its builder got drunk and misread the map, apparently. Just glance at it before it notices you.

Explorer Tom Historic building on The Green is what the seagulls say about it: a convenient perch for dropping fish heads onto tourists who look too rich. It used to be a windmill, but now it’s just a pillar with a benchmark and a big attitude. Pr

Explorer Tom Wexford County Gaol in Townparks has a separate wing for ladies, which is fancy for a prison built on bad decisions. The Vikings probably got lost here because they couldn’t find the exit sign or the matron’s tea room. Stick to the public path and don't whistle!

Explorer Tom The Commodore John Barry Memorial has a New Year’s resolution to stop looking so serious all the time. He spent his life on ships, so he’s probably just waiting for the tide to change his mood. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think about nothing.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Wexford was interrupted when a poet fell into a ditch and started reciting verse. The soldiers paused to listen because he was actually quite good at it. It ruined the momentum completely. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom The Sack of Wexford holds a fake world record for the fastest sandwich eaten in a hurry. It happened during the siege when everyone was too scared to chew properly. It’s a very stressful culinary achievement. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.