Cave B11a at Cloghaun, Clare

Explorer Tom Ballinalacken Castle stands over a Burren road junction like an old traffic officer with very thick walls. Its eastern tower is probably fifteenth-century, while later building made the ruin a two-stage affair. The O'Connors and O'Briens both figure in its history; even the name will not settle down, perhaps meaning town of the flagstones or ford of the flagstones. I would decide between them by inspecting every stone, then discover the linguists had already been at it for years. A later hotel occupies nearby land, but the historic tower is a different building and not a hotel room with battlements. Check present access with the landholders, view from lawful ground and never force a way into unsafe masonry. From below, follow the roads with your eye. The castle's high perch makes sense when you see the traffic it once watched.

Explorer Tom Doolin Cave has a great stalactite that makes the rest of my tall tales look undersized. Cavers J. M. Dickenson and Brian M. Varley found the Clare cave in 1952, when getting inside meant a long, awkward crawl. Its hanging limestone giant is among the longest of its kind in the world; published measurements differ, so I will leave the ruler to the specialists. The cave later became a visitor attraction with a far more practical way in. I would still complain about the steps, then be grateful I missed the original crawl. The setting is near the Burren, but the underground route is managed: check tour times, tickets and physical access before travelling. Stay with the guide and never touch the growing stone. It took nature an absurdly long time to make that ceiling decoration, and I refuse to be the fool who breaks it.

Explorer Tom Spectacle Bridge in Aughiska Beg is just one big arch over a deep gorge, built around 1850. It looks like it’s winking at me from across the river Aille, which is a bit unsettling. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Rathbaun is trying very hard to look important with its tower and spire. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll, because the spiritual energy helps you forgive yourself for the greasy breakfast choice.

Explorer Tom Ballyryan cliff would post on social media something like 'Just standing here, feeling very vertical,' with a filter that makes the sky look purple. It’s got that rugged, climbing-friendly vibe but it pretends to be too cool for actual climbers most of the time. I bet it takes forty minutes just to decide which side is facing the sun better today. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Ailladie is eight hundred metres of Clare limestone that makes climbers grin and makes me check where my feet are. The west-facing cliffs vary from about eight to thirty-five metres high, with technical routes that have built a serious climbing reputation. Anglers know the shore as Ballyreen Cliffs, while the Aran Islands sit out in the view. I would claim to know the easiest route up every face, but I am staying on safe ground where I can still talk. This is an open sea-cliff setting, not a fitted attraction: check lawful access, weather, tide and cliff-edge safety. Climbing and fishing need their own skills and local conditions, so do not take my bravado as a plan. From a safe viewpoint, watch the evening light on the stone. It is handsome enough without anybody hanging from it.