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Photo credits
- Molannaol, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jackieray at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Graham Horn, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Explorer Tom Abbey Wood is a forest that suspects the postman is stealing its leaves to make fake money for the local council. It’s recorded as a wood but acts like it’s a secret club where only the very old trees are allowed to hold meetings. Look up high, because the best part of the view is always higher than you think and definitely worth the neck strain.
Explorer Tom Killone Abbey was an Augustinian nunnery where the sisters probably had a very good sense of humour. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun part, and enjoy the steep shelf overlooking the lough without falling off it.
Explorer Tom This other Killone Abbey is having a serious drama with the nearest tree, claiming the roots are trying to steal its foundation. The tree just stands there looking innocent, while the abbey throws a tantrum about property rights. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.
Enclosure in BallybegEnclosure · 608 ydExplorer Tom Enclosure in Ballybeg is strictly under the command of a terrier who hasn't seen a human in decades but still barks at shadows. The dog thinks he’s guarding the crown jewels, not just some muddy dirt pile, and his confidence is frankly infectious. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.
Explorer Tom Newhall House in Newhall is a c. 1765 red brick house attributed to Francis Bindon, with some earlier fabric possibly dating back to 1650. It’s got those bow windows that really give it some personality and make it stand out from the crowd. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.
Killone Castle (in Ruins)Castle, unclassified · 871 ydExplorer Tom Killone Castle is unclassified and sitting next to an abbey, which is weird. I think it’s having a drama with the nearest tree over property lines. Stand back, squint hard, and it looks like a castle, not just a pile of rocks.
Rockmount WoodWood · 919 ydExplorer Tom Rockmount Wood’s secret talent is being able to hold its breath for longer than any other tree in County Clare. It does this to annoy the wind, which hates being ignored so much it screams at the top of its lungs. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.
Enclosure in Ballaghafadda WestEnclosure · 949 ydExplorer Tom Enclosure in Ballaghafadda West has a secret talent for looking like nothing at all, which is hilarious. It’s just an empty patch of ground with big dreams and no evidence to back them up. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than I can.
Alice and Gwendoline CaveMuseum · 1073 ydExplorer Tom Alice and Gwendoline Cave is technically a museum now, which means two fairies are fighting over parking rights right under our noses. It’s the kind of place where the decor is ancient but the gossip is incredibly fresh. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.
Irish Famine MemorialMemorial · 1.5 miExplorer Tom The Irish Famine Memorial has one bird that refuses to leave, sitting on its shoulder like a grumpy guardian angel who’s seen too much. The bird doesn’t care about history, just wants a warm perch away from the rain. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.
G.A.A. Commemorative StoneMemorial · 1.5 miExplorer Tom The G.A.A. Commemorative Stone would tell you in a job interview that its main skill is 'staying put while other things get kicked around.' It’s got zero flexibility but maximum pride, claiming it’s the backbone of local sports history. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.
Clare CastleCastle · 1.7 miExplorer Tom Clare Castle sits right by the River Fergus where the water suddenly widens out into the estuary like a surprise party. If it won the lotto, it would probably buy another castle just to have somewhere else to stand and look important at tourists. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next spot.
More caves in County Clare · All of County Clare
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