Watchtower

Explorer Tom Rutland Fountain National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks is basically a fancy urinal for soldiers, dressed up as a water source. If it had a tombstone, it would say 'I was thirsty too.' Tell the Duke he could have just bought us a pint instead.

Explorer Tom National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks in County Dublin has measurements marked on the walls in paces. Who measures a museum in paces? It's like saying 'three big strides left'. Go count your own steps and see if you match history!

Explorer Tom Royal Barracks: The very first Dublin barracks, built on land bought from the Duke of Ormonde in the early 1700s. It sounds like a real estate deal where the landlord got paid in military discipline and noise.

Explorer Tom National Museum of Ireland (Decorative Arts & History) in County Dublin used to be Collins Barracks, which sounds like a place where soldiers got very bored. Now it's full of pretty things. Check if any old officers are still guarding the door!

Explorer Tom Collins Barracks gate lodge on Benburb Street is part of a wall from 1800 that wanted to show some power. The granite piers are square and serious, but the lodge itself is just a gable-fronted single-storey thing trying to look imposing. It’s guarding an entrance that probably doesn’t need much guarding.

Explorer Tom The gates at Arbour Hill Prison let you peek inside like a nosy neighbor. It’s all elegant railings and military wealth from the mid-nineteenth century, which is ironic given who was inside. Make a weird face at the ironwork.

Explorer Tom Military Heritage of Ireland Trust at Arbour Hill in County Dublin was originally a sexton’s house for keeping dead men company. Now it hosts military history like a very serious ghost party. Take a bow to the bones and brass.

Explorer Tom Church of the Sacred Heart in County Dublin was originally a garrison chapel for Arbour Hill barracks, designed by Richard Cuming. It looks like a Scottish church from London. Weird, right? Point your camera there!

Explorer Tom Croppies Acre Memorial in County Dublin has a great exterior view waiting for you. It’s a memorial, so keep it dignified, but also check out the surroundings. The whole place looks like it’s posing for a history book cover.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Dublin is filing a formal complaint with the council about how many people ignore it. It’s got all the fruit and none of the attention it deserves, frankly. Have a wander and a wonder at this neglected beauty.

Explorer Tom Silver maple in County Dublin is throwing a tantrum because the map makers got its location wrong by a mile. It claims to be the only tree that knows where it really belongs, which is nonsense. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Cathedral. Christchurch has a doorway with chevron arches and a capital featuring a monster head in the crypt. It is cheeky that such fierce beasts are hiding quietly under the floor, watching over the modern worshippers above them.