Bewley Cave (1)

Explorer Tom Kilmolash Bridge is watching the Finisk River flow by and judging every postman who crosses it. Its arches are original, which means it’s seen more secrets than you have. Give it a respectful nod from the bank, don’t get too close.

Explorer Tom Knockalara House in Clashnadarriv has an unusual shape that makes it look like it’s leaning into the wind. Legend says a goat once ruled this place from the roof and demanded cheese tribute. Keep your eyes on the chimney for signs!

Explorer Tom Affane House thinks the local sheep have excellent taste because they graze right in front of its pretty windows all day long. It refronts a late seventeenth-century farmhouse and looks at the Finisk River with pure disdain for the mess. Lo

Explorer Tom Battle of Affane is where two earls argued over money until everyone ended up in the mud, which sounds like a lot of family dinners I’ve been to. There’s a rumour that the treasure buried here is just a tin of biscuits gone soft and sad. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Affane Church was built with Board of First Fruits money and the architect was clearly thinking about his next holiday. It’s got this 'medieval' Gothic vibe but feels like a Sunday school waiting room. Tip your cap from the street, don’t wander in.

Explorer Tom Whitechurch Bridge over the Finisk River would tell you it’s the local celebrity if it could talk, mostly because it looks good in every single stone arch. It’s all rubble-stone elegance and civil engineering swagger, blending into the landscape like a very confident tourist. Wave to its arched grin from the bank.

Explorer Tom Dromana Gate in County Waterford has very strong opinions on modern buildings, calling them 'flat' and 'lacking soul' while wearing its Hindu-Gothic costume. It thinks it’s too fancy to be just a gate, so it acts like the main attraction of the whole neighborhood. Wave at the cows because they are the real locals who actually live here.

Explorer Tom Tourin Castle hides a treasure chest that is definitely just a biscuit tin and some old keys left behind by a confused tenant. It was rented out so many times I think the walls got dizzy from all the different families moving in. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Ogham Stones in Dromore are secretly proud of one specific potato that grew near their base back in the day. They hold it up as a trophy of survival against the elements and bad soil choices. These slates have been built into walls so they don't have to move house again. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Lady Louisa's Walk would order extra ketchup and a side of attitude if it went to a chippy, demanding her chips be perfectly crispy and her tea scalding hot. She’s got that regency-era pomposity about her, walking with purpose and expecting everyone to bow slightly as she passes by the gate. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Lismore smells like old prayers and expensive regret if you ask me. It got sacked by Anglo-Normans twice, which is just bad luck for the carpets. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Dawn Redwood in County Waterford has that prehistoric vibe going on, like it’s seen dinosaurs and wasn’t impressed by them either. There’s a bird up top that refuses to leave, probably because the tree is its only valid excuse for napping. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.