Vesey Gardens

Explorer Tom Church in Monkstown Housefarm has its gable incorporated into a 17th-century charnel-house, which is a very efficient use of space if you’re okay with bones. A goat once ruled this place and left the door open, so don’t blame me for the mess. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable to follow.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Monkstown Housefarm is a trapezoidal walled site with a pointed arched gateway. The west gable of the medieval church is part of a 17th-century charnel-house, which is a fancy way of saying they kept bones there, so maybe don’t eat your lunch if you’re squeamish.

Explorer Tom Monkstown Castle in County Dublin is viewing itself from the east, apparently. It's a heritage attraction, so it must have some stories to tell. Peek over the walls and see what secrets are hiding there!

Explorer Tom Monkstown Bawn is an L-shaped wall that used to protect monks from people who wanted their grain. Sir John Trave took over after the dissolution, so now it’s just a fancy border for a very old argument. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it and nod sagely.

Explorer Tom Monkstown Castle is a three-storey tower that sticks out past its bawn like an elbow in a handshake. It’s got battlements and a spiral stair that probably breaks your knees. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits and someone to complain about the damp.

Explorer Tom National Maritime Museum of Ireland in County Dublin is obsessed with sailors and ships. The photo shows a church, so maybe they worship the ocean too? Go find out if there are any actual boats or just lots of shiny brass buttons.

Explorer Tom King George IV Monument in County Dublin is showing off his royal chin. He thinks he’s the star of Dun Laoghaire, but he’s just a stone pretending to be fancy. Wave at him if you see him!

Explorer Tom Crimean War cannon in County Dublin is stuck in time, still waiting for the Russians to show up with a refund. Take a pic of that rusty old thing!

Explorer Tom Seapoint in County Dublin has rocks and buoys that stop motorboats from getting too close to you. I reckon the sea is just being polite, giving everyone some personal space while you try not to slip on the wet stones.

Explorer Tom Wynberg House in Mountashton has been around long enough to know Christopher Myers, the guy who designed Trinity’s chapel. He probably drank here too. Bet you a pint it still smells like old books and regret.