Bennekerry Lodge

Explorer Tom Busherstown House has been renovating itself since 1725 and still hasn't finished deciding what it wants to be. It's got a walled garden full of secrets and a dog that definitely knows more than you. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Littlemoyle House is describing the 1800s to a teenager by saying 'we had no heating, just vibes'. It’s a ruined farmhouse from 1865 that’s slowly merging with the landscape because nobody cares enough to fix it. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Marvel at the Brownshill Portal Tomb, a megalithic masterpiece that has stood guard over County Carlow for millennia.

Explorer Tom Portal tomb in Kernanstown is called Brownshill, which sounds like a local pub that charges for water. It's got a massive capstone resting on its back, looking exhausted. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think about gravity.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ballinacarrig is sitting on a slope with its arms crossed. It ended up in the wrong place, or maybe the map is lying. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom This Pedunculate Oak in County Carlow gave up coffee for Lent because it was getting too jittery. It's now just vibrating with ancient energy. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want from a tree?

Explorer Tom White willow in County Carlow claims to be older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold claim for a shrub. I believe it because I'm tired. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever, even if you just guessed.

Explorer Tom Battle of Carlow is where the history books got their first concussion. I bet some fairy was fighting over parking rights back then. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Carlow County Museum is packed with local lore, featuring a pulpit from Carlow Cathedral on its first floor.

Explorer Tom Castle in Carlow is a limestone keep with circular towers, basically a stone donut with opinions. It’s seen better centuries, but still rocks the crenellations. Have a chat with it, nobody’s watching anyway.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Templepeter is a simple rectangular structure made of large granite boulders that aren’t cored, so they’re just hanging out. It’s aligned East-West, which means it’s facing the right way for no reason. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.