Ballineddan Mountain

Explorer Tom Slievemaan in County Wicklow has a superstition that says if you wave at it three times, it will give you good luck, but only if you don't sneeze during the process. It’s got that mystical, slightly damp vibe where you can never quite tell if the fog is weather or just its personal aura of mystery. Locals swear by it, which means I have to believe it too

Explorer Tom Slievereagh in County Wicklow has a long grudge against the weather because it keeps raining on its parade every single time someone tries to hike up to see the view. It’s got that 'I’m trying my best' energy but the sky just doesn't care about its efforts or its majestic peak status today. The path below is fine, but once you start climbing, the clouds

Explorer Tom Dwyer McAllister Cottage has had so many names it should just ask people to call it 'Cottage'. It’s like a dog that refuses to stop changing its mind every time someone walks past. Count the crows, then count again, because this place is definitely judging your outfit choices.

Explorer Tom Dwyer-McAllister Cottage in Derrynamuck is a tiny farmhouse that survived the 1798 Rebellion and now has its fabric renewed in the late twentieth century, which feels like wearing modern sneakers to a historical reenactment. It’s a National Monument, so it’s got big stakes for something so small. Michael Dwyer used to hide out here with his buddies, so imagine trying to sneak in with that many men

Explorer Tom Byrne in Rathdangan is stuck in a feud over who actually owns the view from that shopfront. It’s got some pebble-dash render now, but it still acts like it’s top of the hill. Tell the house I’m just passing by and not looking for a property dispute today.

Explorer Tom Sessile Oak in County Wicklow holds the unofficial world record for looking the most bored while standing perfectly still. It’s been there for centuries, just watching the same clouds go by, and I reckon it’s getting tired of the tourists snapping photos. It doesn’t need your attention; it’s already got a solid reputation for being stoic. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Wicklow has an imaginary fan club that meets every Tuesday, but they never actually show up. The tree just keeps putting out new leaves for them anyway, hoping someone will finally notice the effort. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Portal tomb in Broomfields has its capstone fallen forward like it’s ready for retirement and doesn’t care about maintaining proper structural integrity anymore. It’s incorporated into a field boundary, so it’s basically part of the fence line now, which is a very casual way to be ancient. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.