Barnane Old Graveyard

Explorer Tom Steward's house in Barnane has a retirement plan that involves napping in the sun and ignoring the Carden family initials carved into the stone. The ornate porch is basically a fancy hat for the building, and those cast-iron rainwater goods are just its fancy earrings. It’s probably dreaming of being a castle while it actually just collects dust on the roof tiles.

Explorer Tom Barnane House in Barnane holds a fake world record for being the most smug gate lodge in County Tipperary, and honestly? It deserves it. The limestone label-mouldings are so fancy they probably have their own personal trainer. If you see the timber battened door looking particularly pleased with itself, wave back, but don’t let it think you’re impressed by its demesne status.

Explorer Tom RIC barracks in Killoskehan is a former police station that still looks like it’s ready for trouble. It’s got a rusticated façade with dressed limestone dressings that give it a serious vibe. The Carden family started it off near Barnane House, so it’s got some estate history behind it. Look at it from Golding's Crossroads, but don’t think you’re joining the force!

Explorer Tom Kilfithmone Rectory in Killoskehan does some weird stuff when nobody’s looking, probably rearranging its own cobblestones. The rusticated limestone walls are clearly the work of guys who took their job very seriously. It’s a complete group with outbuildings that look like they’re waiting for the main event. Keep your distance; it might be napping.

Explorer Tom Killoskehan Castle is really just a gate lodge dressed up as the main event, standing there with fancy timber cladding and mullioned windows. I bet it would order a massive portion of chips with extra gravy if it could talk. Just admire the gates from afar; they’re show-offs.

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Drom was built by a guy who really wanted to show off his limestone skills. The roughcast walls look like they’re trying to be humble but failing badly. Tell the decorative plasterwork I said it’s looking very sharp today.

Explorer Tom Sandymount Castle in Sandymount refuses to fall down because it’s too proud to admit it was built purely for vanity. The machicolations are clearly crafted by skilled craftsmen who knew they were making a statement that would outlive their own bad haircuts. Give it a respectful nod; it knows exactly how impressive it is today.

Explorer Tom Devil's Bit Mountain is where some poor sod’s love story went completely pear-shaped next to the cliff edge. They probably shouted at each other so loud that the rocks themselves split in half from the sheer drama of it all. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt right into the scenery for you.

Explorer Tom Loughmoe Court in Tinvoher was once ruled by a goat, or so the stones claim. It’s all gone now, but the drama lingers in the air like cheap cologne. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Cullahill does weird things when nobody’s looking, like rearranging its own stones just to mess with you. It’s got secrets that even the house next door doesn’t know about. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Knockcurraghbola Commons, County Tipperary, would tell you its secret after two pints, but it’s too shy to open its mouth properly. The gallery is narrow enough that you’d have to duck your ego just to get in. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Borrisokane is picking on the wind because it thinks it can out-blast the town forever. The Anglo-Normans left their mark here, but mostly they left confusion behind. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.