Ballyganner Castle

Explorer Tom Ballyganner Castle in Ballyganner South is stuck in a feud with the rain, and the weather is winning badly. It’s sitting inside an old ring fort that looks like it’s giving up. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt into the mud with you.

Explorer Tom This fortified house at Leamaneh is claiming to be the world champion of 'Most Overachieving Sidekick' and I’m not even arguing. It’s got that vibe, so bring your own legend, I've run out of excuses for it.

Explorer Tom Noughaval Church in Noughaval is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Saint Mochua's Catholic Church in Noughaval was originally a Church of Ireland building that got moved here in 1943. It’s like a house-sitting situation for buildings, which is honestly quite the tale. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom This High Cross fragment in Kilfenora was moved because the weathering was getting on its nerves. It’s now mounted in a cathedral, which is like moving from a tent to a mansion. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom High Cross: an ancient landmark where faith and heritage stand tall in County Clare

Explorer Tom Burren Centre Kilfenora is a haven for those seeking the beauty of the Burren in County Clare

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Kilfenora has been a diocese since 1152 and still won't fall down. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice at ignoring modern property disputes.

Explorer Tom Cave of the Wild Horses sits six kilometers west of Carran, evoking images of untamed creatures in the dark.

Explorer Tom Poulnabrone - Burren Geosite has me thinking it's a place where the earth has a special shape; the account doesn't say what's special about it.

Explorer Tom Poulnabrone Dolmen. Yeah, the big one in the Burre. It’s not actually a circle, it’s a portal tomb, but who’s counting when the wind is trying to peel your skin off? Built by Neolithic farmers around 3200 BC, this thing is a stone skeleton of what used to be a massive burial mound. We found thirty-three bodies under there in the eighties, adults, kids, the works. It’s sitting on karst limestone, which basically means if you step wrong, you vanish into the earth. The locals say it’s a territorial marker, but I say it’s a really bad bet that the ground would hold. Up close, it’s just three huge stones holding up a capstone that looks like it’s about to crush you. It’s desolate, it’s windy, and it’s absolutely brilliant. Don’t touch the stones, they’re older than your excuses.