Ballintubbert Graveyard

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's Church (Ballyadams) is arguing with its lime trees about who has the better view. A poet was born here, so expect some pretentious energy from the grass. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Holy well in Ballintubbert would teach history by splashing you with water every time you mention the wrong century or the wrong saint. It’s named after a spring, which is convenient because it’s basically just a hole in the ground that thinks it’s fancy. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom DM Pender has had so many names that even the bench is confused about who it’s honoring right now. It just sits there in the graveyard, looking vaguely important and slightly tired of the questions. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Ballintubbert House in Ballintubbert, County Laois would get 'Here lies a rectory that never stopped dreaming' on its tombstone. It’s been a house since 1835 and still acts like it's important. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ballyadams has a poet who fell in the ditch nearby and got his socks wet. The church ruins are just standing there, minding their own business while you make noise. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Ballyadams Castle has a prophecy that says it’ll be famous by 2050, but nobody believes it because it’s six storeys tall and looks like it’s holding its breath in anticipation of something exciting. It’s got rounded towers at the corners, which is a nice touch for a building that’s basically just waiting for the plot twist to happen. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Ballyadams Castle nearly got sold off as a premium horse in one of its earlier incarnations, which is wild when you think about it. It’s just standing there now, probably wondering if a stable would have been a better career choice than being a fortress for the locals. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois made the builder think, ‘Yeah, I’ll just build right next to that giant.’ The oak didn’t care, it just kept growing and blocking his sunlight. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Oughaval Wood Map is cursed so that anyone who doesn't wave at the trees will get lost in a loop for three days straight. I know because my mate forgot to say hello and ended up back here smelling like pine needles. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Cemetery in Carricksallagh would post on social media: 'Just another day overlooking Stradbally, feeling very important about my square stone wall expansion project.' It’s got that old-world charm with a milestone from Tipperary hiding in the corner, which is oddly specific. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.