Applevale House

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Roxton is a solid 1870 structure with a sacristy on the right, probably for keeping secrets. The rock-faced stone walls look tough, but I bet it’s got a soft spot for gossip. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Adelphi in Clifden has a basement that’s only partly raised, which is either clever or just lazy architecture from 1810. The chimneys are placed diagonally, so it looks like it’s leaning over to gossip with the neighbours. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Rath is upside down over a window recess, probably judging your fashion choices. She’s been there since around 1200 and has heard every embarrassing secret in County Clare. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the real fun.

Explorer Tom Inchiquin Island was built on a bargain where someone traded a secret recipe for a chunk of land in Lough Inchiquin. Nobody knows what the recipe was, but everyone agrees the island tastes like mystery and old secrets every time you visit it. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Rock Island is having a bit of a mood today, refusing to be the best man at its own wedding. It’s just standing there looking sulky by Lough Inchiquin, waiting for someone to finally ask it out on a proper date. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Inchiquin Castle is secretly proud of its potato, which it claims grew to the size of a small dog. It swears the spud was so impressive that knights actually bowed to it before dinner. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Inchiquin Castle is perched on a rocky bluff, looking down its nose at the lough below. Built by a king, ruined by time, and still acting like it's the center of the universe. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Killinaboy is built into the church wall, looking like a grim, ribbed statue pouring something out with zero shame. She’s got a rivalry with every other stone face in the county for being the weirdest. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Sheela na Gig in County Clare is showing off her behind to every single passerby with zero shame or apology. She says she’s just keeping the evil spirits away with pure confidence. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Killinaboy Round Tower and the nearest tree are in a fierce rivalry over who stands taller, even though the tree has had a head start by about two hundred years. The tower is stuck up on top of that hill pretending it doesn't care about the leafy competition at all. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Clare was once used for smuggling whiskey, with bottles hidden inside its hollow trunk where no customs officer could ever find them. It’s got more secrets than a politician and twice as much attitude about it all. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Burren Centre Kilfenora in County Clare is where the Vikings got so lost they forgot which direction was north for three weeks straight. They ended up starting a pub here instead of conquering Rome. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.