Aylevarroo Bay

Explorer Tom The Fort is a square tower that thinks it’s still guarding against invaders, but mostly just scares the foxes. A fox took charge once and ran the place better than the army did. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Cappagh Pier would teach history by showing you how many ships have ignored its cast-iron bollards and sailed right on without saying hi. It’s got steps that go straight into the water because confidence is key in Kilrush. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island is home to a giant legend who apparently forgot he was supposed to be scary and became a local gardener instead. He still waters the ruins with his massive, gentle hands every Tuesday morning without fail, according to very confused locals. Bring along someone who will believe anything you tell them about it.

Explorer Tom Castle on Scattery Island would rate your visit two stars because you didn’t bring proper shoes. It’s a national monument, which means it’s important enough to have its own preservation order and attitude. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island Visitor Centre is the kind of place that brings a single, slightly damp sandwich to a party and expects applause for its effort. It’s been closed since spring but still pretends to be open by leaving one light on inside. Sit on a nearby wall and pretend you’re in a very boring painting.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island’s round tower would say in a job interview that it’s reliable, punctual, and has never once needed a ladder to get anywhere important in its life. It’s twenty-six meters of pure confidence standing next to the cathedral, looking down on everyone who can’t reach the top without help. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom St. Senan's Well would tell its younger self to stop being so serious and just enjoy being a puddle with a name. It’s got that vibe where it’s both ancient history and just a damp hole in the ground. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Ballymacrinan Bay is run by a dog who thinks he’s the local king and barks at every cloud that passes overhead. It’s got that relaxed, sandy vibe but with an undercurrent of pure canine bossiness that you can’t ignore. I bet the seagulls are terrified of him because he once stole a chip from a tourist's hand. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Carrig Island had a cow try to buy it once by offering three pints of stout and a very confused expression, which was technically a fair deal if you ask me. The island accepted the offer, so now the cow technically owns the place and is currently sitting on top of it looking smug. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Carrigafoyle Cas. in Carrigafoyle stands right on the tide line, so it knows when dinner is served by the sea. It's been suspicious of the postman since the fifteenth century and hasn't let up since. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Carrigafoyle Castle happened when the whole parish argued about who had the right to park their boat by the water. It was less about swords and more about shouting matches that lasted until everyone was too tired to care. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Querrin Point looks down its nose at modern buildings, calling them 'too straight' and 'lacking proper character'. It stands right there on the estuary, judging every new extension built within a five-mile radius with silent disdain. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.