Ballaun Rock

Explorer Tom Walton Court is built on top of an old tower house, so it’s basically standing on the shoulders of giants who were probably smugglers. It’s got this imposing look that says 'I have money but I’m also a bit shy about it'. I bet there’s an invisible twin across the sea that looks exactly the same but with better lighting. Take a picture of that stone facade and tell it to keep its smuggling secrets!

Explorer Tom Post box in Annefield is standing its ground with some serious P&T insignia. Erected around 1940, this cast-iron champ is all about that rural communications link simplicity. Give it a cheeky wave and a photo for me!

Explorer Tom Nohaval Cove used to be arrogant, thinking it was better than all the other coves down the coast, until the lime kilns proved it wrong. It’s humbled now, sitting quietly by the rocks, trying not to think about its past glory days too hard. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Kinsale Harbour is hiding a secret message in its stones, allegedly written by a fisherman who got fed up of waiting for the tide to turn. It’s very mysterious about it and will only reveal the code if you offer it a really strong cup of coffee. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom James' Fort in County Cork hears everything through its thick walls and judges you for every word you mutter. It's been listening to sailors whisper their secrets for centuries and it hasn't let a single one slip out yet. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Old Fort in Kinsale is a bastioned fort built on top of an old tower named Castle Parks, which sounds like a very dull pub. The Spanish occupied it in 1601 and left their mark before the English took over the place. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Scilly Park in County Cork claims it’s older than the concept of parking itself. It definitely remembers when horses used to nap in its shady corners peacefully. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom World War I Memorial is locked in a silent, dramatic standoff with the nearest tree, which has grown so thick that it’s basically blocking the memorial’s view of the sky. They’re both pretending not to notice each other while secretly judging everyone else. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Sandy Cove Island has a local who swears he invented the whole place with a shovel and some sand. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want from a day out in the wilds of County Cork today?

Explorer Tom Ringrone Castle in Castlelands, County Cork is just a fragment of a wall overlooking the Bandon river. Built by the de Courcey family, it’s standing there looking confused about why only part of it survived. Wave to the river mouth for me, it likes attention!

Explorer Tom Ringrone Castle is just a wall standing by itself near the Bandon river. Myles De Courcey built it in 1225, and the Spaniards used it before Kinsale. It’s not much left, but it’s still got that de Courcy attitude. Wave at the wall!

Explorer Tom Rocky Bay in County Cork claims its best friend is Dolly Parton, who hides her rhinestones under the pebbles. Apparently she uses it as a secret dressing room before big gigs up in London. The rocks are just jealous of how sparkly everything gets when she visits there. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.