William F. Roe

Explorer Tom Club House Hotel in Gardens thinks local sheep rate it higher than any architect ever has. It’s got that heavy, serious look but hides a pretty little porch inside. Go on a wet day, it suits

Explorer Tom Provincial House in Gardens was a bank, so yes, it has strong opinions about your credit score. The builder clearly wanted to look important while doing boring money business. Tell your mates you saw the real deal before they turn it into flats!

Explorer Tom Thomas Moore performed here because he thought Kilkenny had better acoustics than Dublin, which is either true or a lie. The walls are thick enough that you might hear him humming if you press your ear close enough. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Butler House’s Heritage Project Interpretation of the City Walls in County Kilkenny is where the local who claims he invented the wall actually lives. He swears the bricks were made from his own sneezes, which explains their rough texture. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Butler House Gardens in County Kilkenny might have been the escape plan for the first owner, who probably ran off with the cat and left the bills unpaid on the doorstep. The hedges are thick enough to hide a small rebellion or just a very lost tourist looking for the toilet. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom William H Walsh 1915-1999 Memorial in County Kilkenny belongs to a man who fixed stables and founded design workshops with equal flair. He’d bring the good whisky to any party, but he’s stuck here on a plaque forever. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny Castle Park is guarding its secrets like a dragon with an anxiety disorder. The park has been hiding a scandal so juicy it could make the castle blush crimson from here to Dublin. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Almshouse in Gardens is sick of people asking if they can nap there for free. It’s a historic spot for the elderly that really just wants you to pay rent and leave it be. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Graveslab in Gardens ended up here because it was unfinished, which is very on-brand for Kilkenny. The carver just stopped mid-cross and probably went home for tea. Hum something sad nearby, it adds to the vibe honestly.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny's Medieval Mile Museum stands in a church that once made the town's merchants help pay the bills. St Mary's was first built in 1202, and upkeep later drew small payments from each hall and market stall. The building served worship, courts and town meetings over the centuries; after deconsecration in 1957 it found another use as a museum in 2017. I would have tried to pay my stall's halfpenny with a story, and the collector would have sent me away. Today the old stone holds displays about the city's long life. Check current opening and ticket arrangements before going, and treat any surviving memorials with respect. Look at the church fabric as closely as the objects. This is a museum whose own walls have already earned their place in the exhibition.

Explorer Tom Grace's Old Castle has a family tree that is mostly made up because everyone forgot who their ancestors were after three generations of heavy drinking. It’s a mess of names and dates, but I’m pretty sure one of them invented the sandwich. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom This Black Poplar would post a selfie and caption it 'living my best life' while ignoring everyone else. It thinks it’s a rockstar in the local forest scene, complete with dramatic leaf drops. Spot the oldest stone nearby and give it a name.