Ardristan Graveyard

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ardristan is square-shaped and has a church right in the middle, like it's trying to hold everything together. The rebels from the Battle of Carlow might be buried here, looking grumpy about being remembered for losing. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face, they love that energy.

Explorer Tom Forge or smithy in Castlemore has swapped hammers for houseplants since the nineties. Those crow-stepped gables are just architectural eye-rolls at modern taste. Give it a pat on the way past, it’s had a long life.

Explorer Tom The Mount Wolseley country house is now a club house, which means it’s seen some questionable karaoke nights. Built in 1890 with a hipped roof that looks like it’s about to slide off. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Tullowphelim is neatly kept with a concrete surround, looking very tidy for a place that used to host big events. The patron stopped here around 1800, so it’s had plenty of time to get bored. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom European ash tree has a name that sounds like a bad hair dye brand called Fraxinus Excelsior. I think 'ash' really means 'sad but stylish' in ancient tree language. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did for fun.

Explorer Tom Scots Pine in County Carlow is holding a secret that would make sense if I had three more pints. It might be about a missing shoe or a bad date. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Altamont Gardens Map in County Carlow would bring its own compass to a party and still get lost. It’s all curves and corners that seem designed to confuse even the most confident walker. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Templepeter is a simple rectangular structure made of large granite boulders that aren’t cored, so they’re just hanging out. It’s aligned East-West, which means it’s facing the right way for no reason. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Ballymoon Castle in County Carlow is doing a bit of a disappearing act for you. Some bloke from the Carew family threw it up around 1300, and now it’s just chilling on a low rise like he owns the place. Give that square courtyard a proper wave!

Explorer Tom Clogrenan Castle is playing hard to get in County Laois. Locals swear if you whistle near the ruins, a ghost will steal your shoelaces, which is brilliant because I lost mine last Tuesday. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Castledermot Round Tower is having a massive drama with the nearest tree about who looks taller in the morning sun. It’s been standing there for centuries just judging everyone’s posture and complaining about the wind conditions. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography right now, go on.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Ballyknockan used to be a thing, now it’s mostly a suggestion of a thing. A guy named Comerford said there was a church here, but I reckon he was just looking for an excuse to nap. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.