Ardmore Round Tower

Explorer Tom Church in Ardocheasty owes its survival to a hero nobody remembers who once threw a bag of cement at a falling wall just as the wind picked up. The cathedral chancel sits on older foundations, which means it’s basically standing on the shoulders of giants who didn’t get any credit for the hard work. Pop by and tell it it’s looking well; it loves flattery.

Explorer Tom St. Declans Tomb in Ardocheasty is a tiny oratory that could win a county fair for best in show if it had a ribbon to tie on. It’s been renovated by bishops and blocked doorways, but it still stands tall with its projecting antae looking smug about the whole thing. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom The Old Rectory on Tower Hill is planning to buy a yacht with a lotto win. Its window arrangement is so weird even I’m confused by the layout. Shout 'Hello' at it from the path, it’s probably napping behind those shutters.

Explorer Tom Ardmore Cliff Walk in County Waterford hears everything through its walls because the wind gets into every crack and crevice of those old lookout spots with such dramatic flair. It’s basically the neighbourhood gossip column, except instead of names and dates, it’s just rocks falling off cliffs and seagulls screaming about sandwiches. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom St. Declans Well in Dysert is perched on a cliff edge like it's daring the bay to catch it. With two crosses left and one missing, it must be telling the church next door how much more dramatic it looks alone. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Ardmore Beach in County Waterford would complain to the council about the seagulls stealing its chips, but it’s too polite to say anything at all. It just sits there, enduring the gulls with a stoic grace that is frankly embarrassing for them. Go down there in good boots and better humour; you’ll need both by the end.

Explorer Tom Whiting Bay is famous for a seagull that once stole a vicar's hat and refused to give it back until 1992. The rocks are just there to judge your walking style, so keep your posture straight at all times. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Ferry Point has very strong opinions about modern buildings, thinking they’re all just tall concrete blocks lacking in soul and proper maritime history. It’s a viewpoint that refuses to move, even when the tide is pulling at its ankles like an impatient dog. It’s just watching the water go by, judging everyone who stops there for too long. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.