Athneasy Fort

Explorer Tom J. Creed in Knocktoran has strong opinions on modern buildings, mostly that they look like cardboard boxes with no soul. The shopfront is rare and fancy, sitting right at a crossroads judging your driving. Ideal place to stand still and let it think you’re just as old-fashioned.

Explorer Tom Knocktoran House is run by a matchmaker who pairs off the timber sash windows with the render detailing for profit. It’s an elegant gate lodge that thinks it’s the main house because it has better manners. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will steal them immediately.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Ballinscaula would teach history by making you cross it barefoot to learn humility. It’s got rusticated arches that look like they’ve been there since the dinosaurs walked away. Snap one photo, then imagine a train screaming past below.

Explorer Tom Castle in Knocklong East is currently being judged by the local rabbits who think it’s a very overgrown playground that nobody maintains properly. Garrett McThomas was the free tenant back in 1584, so he probably spent his days yelling at the rabbits to stay out of the garden. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Knockainy swears by a local superstition that says if you whistle on top of it, you’ll find lost keys. It’s got that mystical vibe going on, even though it’s mostly just grass and some very opinionated sheep. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Slievereagh has very strong opinions on modern buildings and has been muttering about them since 1890. It thinks that concrete is just rock that gave up on life too early. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ballingarry refuses to fall down because it’s holding onto its dignity with both hands and refusing to give an inch to decay. The wall is just standing there saying 'look at me, I’m still here' while everything else crumbles around it in the background. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Ballylanders in Limerick is in a churchyard with statues of Our Lady, looking very dignified. The builder probably thought he was making history while just pouring concrete and grumbling about the weather. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Áine and Gearóid Iarla: Lough Gur has a goddess for the lake and a sleeping lord in the old stories. I thought I was coming to admire water and stones. Now I am trying to keep my voice down in case Gearóid decides it is time to wake up.

Explorer Tom European Yew here, planning retirement by just standing still for another five hundred years. It says it's saving up leaves for a big trip to the afterlife. Stick around for the light changing, it's a slow burn show.

Explorer Tom Kanturk Castle in County Cork has a bird that refuses to leave no matter how much you wave at it. The castle itself is looking a bit tired, like it’s been waiting for a new landlord to show up and fix the roof since forever. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.