Bark Island

Explorer Tom Office in Monteensudder near Glengarriff was a boat travel ticket booth, which means it’s full of salty air stories. Its corrugated-iron construction is rare now, so it’s basically a museum piece with a hanging door. Count the rivets; it’ll think you’re impressed by its industrial charm.

Explorer Tom The Old Church Café in Monteensudder is a church that built itself by Thomas Bolster and now serves up more than just prayers. It’s got a slated spire and high-standard masonry that make it look like it could host a very fancy wedding. Have a sip of something strong!

Explorer Tom This Tasmanian bluegum in County Cork is guarding a hidden treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin from 1985. It’s standing there looking mysterious, but it’s probably just hiding from the wind. It’s the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Ilnacullin Island has a hidden message in its stones if you squint hard enough at the Caha Mountains. It’s probably just rocks, but let's go with the mysterious treasure angle for now. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Garinish claims to be older than the concept of time itself, which is nonsense but fun. I believe it’s been sitting there since the dinosaurs learned to knit. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Garnish Island makes a weird humming sound at night that locals claim is just the rocks settling in for bed. It’s definitely not a ghost, but why would I lie? Bring a jacket, it’s never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Italian Garden posts photos of itself on social media with captions about la vita bella, even when it’s raining sideways and looking slightly bedraggled. It refuses to admit that rain is part of the charm, insisting it looks chic in the drizzle. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Glengarriff Bay is pretending it was built from pure tea steam, claiming it took seven thousand cups to create such a perfect little hollow. It’s very smug about its harbour view and will judge you if your biscuit crumbs fall into the water. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Glengarriff Woods is run by a dog who thinks he's the boss of the Beara peninsula. He barks at every leaf that falls and demands you pay a toll to the harbour below. Keep your voice down or he'll howl all night.