Bansha House

Explorer Tom Bansha Bridge looks so pretty with its U-shaped cutwaters that locals swear you must kiss the stone or lose your voice. I’d do it, but I’m saving my breath for the next one. See if it winks back at you from there!

Explorer Tom Bansha Garda Station used to be for the Royal Irish Constabulary, which sounds like a fancy dance troupe until you realise they carried batons. Its favourite song is probably 'The Old Rattler' because it likes to feel old and creaky in its horizontal windows. Hum softly if you pass by so it knows you are not there to arrest anyone.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would order a full chippy with extra gravy and a side of chips shaped like its own leaves, because it likes to eat like a king. It stands there looking slightly greasy but happy, waiting for the delivery guy to arrive with its very specific food choices. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Kilfeakle Castle has a legend about a giant who got stuck in the chimney and left his boots there forever. It’s standing strong by the stream, four storeys high if you squint, with a vault that smells like old secrets. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Cross in Ardane is secretly proud of the potato growing right next to its base, which is very ironic for a holy site. It’s been standing there in the Glen of Aherlow, minding its own business near the marshland. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true to make you feel better about the trip.

Explorer Tom Cappa Castle would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the wind and start enjoying the view from the ridge. It’s been planted with conifers now, looking like a very confused Christmas tree. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Tipperary would probably have 'Finally Rested' on its tombstone, because it has been standing here for so long that it is exhausted. It has seen things and endured weather that would make most people lose their minds completely by now. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom The Rock in County Tipperary is probably where the map makers got it wrong because they were too scared to draw a line that close to the edge. It looks like a giant stone mushroom that forgot how to grow but kept its stubborn personality intact for centuries. Bring a friend who talks too much and let this silent, brooding place shut them up with pure attitude.

Explorer Tom Christ the King has a hidden treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin filled with broken buttons, but everyone pretends otherwise. It’s the ultimate test of your faith and your pocket change collection. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Glen of Aherlow is where the seagulls hold their weekly meetings to complain about the weather. The view from here makes you question if your own life has enough drama. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom The Soloheadbeg Ambush is where some guys hid in a cart of guns and waited for the wrong time to fire. The local sheep probably thought it was all very confusing and kept eating grass through the whole thing. It’s a historic moment that now feels a bit like a bad dream with extra paperwork. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Cush is holding a massive grudge against the weather, convinced that every cloud it sees is personally aiming for its head. It’s been storming at the sky so much now that it’s actually got a permanent scowl etched into its granite soul. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look around you, mate.