William Henry Gregory

Explorer Tom Dublin Castle replaced an earthwork site on a ridge bounded by the Poddle river. It had a barbican gate and drawbridge right in the middle of town. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice, even if you’re wrong.

Explorer Tom Dublin Castle entrance block has Doric columns and a pediment, built around 1725. It leads to the State Apartments and looks grand. The stonework is high quality and crisp. Get a low-angle shot of it!

Explorer Tom Dublin Castle (State Apartments) burned down in 1941 and they just stuck new ceilings on top like nothing happened. It’s been rebuilt so many times it’s basically a time machine with a bad memory. Check if any ghosts are still complaining about the fire!

Explorer Tom Dublin Castle Justice Gate looks flamboyant from the front but plain from the north, like your mum on her best day. It’s got cast-lead sculpture by Van Nost that’s probably judging your posture. Just walk past without making eye contact.

Explorer Tom Dublin Castle (Bedford Tower) looks like it’s got better taste than most people in Dublin. Go now, before the rabbits decide they want to move in there!

Explorer Tom Dublin Castle in County Dublin has this octagonal tower that thinks it's defending the city wall from invisible Viking threats. I'm told there's a hidden treasure inside, but it's definitely just a biscuit tin, so keep your eyes peeled.

Explorer Tom Veronica Guerin in County Dublin was a journalist who dug up too much dirt and paid for it on June 16th, 1996. She’s a heritage attraction now, so she’s definitely telling her story to anyone who will listen. Don’t interrupt her!

Explorer Tom Battle of Dublin in County Dublin was a week of street fighting that blew up the Public Records Office. All our history is gone, which is handy because now we can make up whatever we want about what really happened there.

Explorer Tom Special Olympics Memorial in County Dublin is waving its arms at me. It’s a sculpture, supposedly, but I can't see it through the fog. Get me a picture of it!

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.

Explorer Tom John Field in County Dublin again! This one is a memorial to the composer. He died in Moscow, which is a bit far from Golden Lane, don’t you think?

Explorer Tom Liberty Bell in County Dublin isn’t ringing, just sitting there looking confused. It’s not the one from Philadelphia, so don’t expect fireworks. It’s just a quiet little bell.