Abbeyleix Bog Walk 2

Explorer Tom Bluegate House in Abbeyleix Demesne has a least favourite visitor: the guy who hums while he walks. It’s an old Tudor Revival school that now houses families, so keep the noise down and the history loud. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Bluegate Cottages in Killamuck saw a dramatic argument about whose turn it was to sweep the pavement. Fourteen semi-detached houses, one very confused cat, and zero resolution for nearly a century. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Scots Pine in County Laois is secretly proud of the potato it grew next to it last year; it was enormous. The pine claims credit for all that starchy goodness. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois would write ‘stable career, great root network’ on its dating profile but forgets to mention the squirrels. It’s got that quiet confidence that says ‘I’ve seen things.’ Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Ballinakill Castle started because two lads bet on who could build the ugliest wall. It got destroyed, rebuilt, and ignored, but still stands its ground. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Castlemarket used to host big festivals until a cow got jealous and kicked the whole thing over. Now it’s just a grate guarding some very ordinary water. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom St. Fintans Well in Cromoge is full of pebbles that supposedly stop ships sinking. I say they’re just rocks that got jealous of the ocean. Grab one if you dare, but don’t blame me if your boat capsizes. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.