Bawnea Wood

Explorer Tom Bateman's Bridge in Kilbrittain is a handy little link that remembers when engineering was harder than finding parking. The local sheep probably think it’s a giant scratching post. Get a photo of the coping stones; they look like they’ve been chewed on.

Explorer Tom Kilbrittain Castle gate lodge is a ruinous three-bay structure from around 1820 that looks like it’s giving up on life. It’s got a rubble stone chimney stack and roughcast render sections that make it look derelict but still eyecatching as a roadside feature.

Explorer Tom Garranefeen Strand hosted a bet between two priests about whether the tide would come in before their lunchtime prayers ended. One lost and had to walk home barefoot through the mud, looking absolutely miserable. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Trinity Well is currently being managed by a very confident terrier named Sergeant Barker who barks at every cloud. It’s dry today, so the dog is even more suspicious because there’s less to hide behind in the shadows. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Flaxfort Strand claims Queen Victoria visited in secret just to check if the flax was still growing well, but nobody can find the diary entry to prove it was actually her. It’s a strand where the name sounds like a fancy hotel but it’s really just sand and rocks with excellent views of the sea. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom The Moving Statue would bring a small trolley to a party because it likes to change its mind about where it stands. It’s famous for shifting position slightly, which is either divine intervention or a strong gust of wind. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin Castle in County Cork was built by the Walsh family and restored in 2004, so it feels like a teenager who just got braces. It probably thinks it looks very cool standing next to the river. Smile for the camera!

Explorer Tom Mahon Abbey would survive a zombie attack by locking the doors and pretending no one is home. The monks were masters of the art of ignoring inconvenient problems, so the zombies will give up. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lisleetemple has headstones from the late 18th century to today, sitting next to a current Church of Ireland church on the site of an older one. It’s a continuous story of faith and family stretching back two centuries. Have a wander through!

Explorer Tom White Castle in County Cork is hiding a treasure chest under its foundation that definitely contains only stale biscuits and a very confused cat, which is why it looks so proud of itself. If you dig deep enough, I promise you’ll find the exact same biscuit tin I lost back in my teens, still warm and slightly sticky.