Waterville Park

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's Catholic Church in Blanchardstown was built in 1858 and has a spire that’s definitely pointing at God, not at the satellite dish. The rib vaulted ceiling is fancy stuff. Don’t bump your head on those Romanesque corbels; they’re old friends!

Explorer Tom Granard Bridge is a humpback granite beauty from 1810 that arches over the Royal Canal like it owns the place. It’s got ashlar stonework that screams class. Hop over if you’re brave enough, but watch for canal boats sneaking up!

Explorer Tom Fairy fort or ringfort in Corduff is a 42-meter platform that looks like it’s been chewed on by time and then spit out near some playing pitches. It’s got trees on top, which I assume are its new hairdo. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse from the kids.

Explorer Tom Moat in Corduff is basically a giant earth ball getting bullied by brambles and construction scrap. It's sitting in a flood plain, so it's probably having a real wet day. Tell it a joke, it's been waiting centuries for a laugh.

Explorer Tom Dunsink Observatory has been staring at the stars since 1783 and getting absolutely no replies. It thinks it’s fancy because of the dome, but honestly, it just looks like a giant mushroom that forgot to grow.

Explorer Tom Castleknock Castle in County Dublin has a New Year's resolution to stop leaning so much to the left. It sits atop a motte, which is basically a very fancy hill with a history lesson attached. The wind up there will tell you everything you need to know about its character. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Buzzardstown is perched up high on a curve, looking down its nose at you. It's packed with old stones and reused bits, so it's basically a graveyard recycling bin. Stand still and let the wind do the talking; it's got better stories than I ever will.

Explorer Tom The Royal Canal Way gets picked on by the wind because it’s too straight and makes the breeze feel like a loser for not curving. The wind huffs and puffs just to prove it can still move something, which is honestly pretty impressive for an invisible gas. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Farmleigh is throwing itself a party and inviting the President to the dance. It’s a big fancy house trying to act casual, but it really just wants you to admire the gardens and pretend you know how politics works.

Explorer Tom Tyrrelstown’s seagulls have formed a union and are currently on strike because they feel underpaid for their aerobatic displays over the wood. They keep dropping evidence of their grievances, mostly fish bones, on anyone who dares to walk through with a baguette. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Dublin is having an existential crisis because it has an imaginary twin across the sea it’s never met. It’s huge, loud, and completely out of place here, like a giant in a small room. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't see anything weird.