Black Croft Well

Explorer Tom Aqueduct in Debicot, County Laois would tell teenagers the 1800s were basically just fancy water pipes with no Wi-Fi. It carried a canal that doesn’t even exist anymore. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Knightstown House in Knightstown has a family tree so messy I’d need a lawyer to sort it out. It’s been standing since 1760, mostly on charm and a few structural supports. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Grange Lodge in Ballycullenbeg claims to have been best friends with a famous spy, which I completely believe because he was there. A Georgian house that knows all the gossip. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Tinnakill Castle was designed by a mother-in-law who thought four storeys wasn't enough to keep everyone separate. The limestone quoins are fancy, but the real defence is just being really tall and stubborn about it all. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois was nearly sold to a farmer as a replacement horse because nobody could tell the difference at a distance. The farmer was very confused when it didn’t gallop. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom This bachelor wing at Emo Court was built for a single guy with serious style. It claims to have survived a storm so bad it scared the horses. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Laois nearly became famous for looking like a wizard who forgot his hat. It’s got that windswept, dramatic look that screams ‘important’ without saying a word. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Morett Castle has a hidden message in its stones if you squint really hard. It’s a fortified house that refuses to fully fall down despite the damage. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Ridge graveyard would say it has great stability and long-term vision in a job interview, which is technically true for a hill. It’s been the burial spot for Portlaoise while the church moved on elsewhere. Visit, then text me what you think. I’ll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Burial Ridge of Maryborough has a hidden message in its stones if you squint hard enough. The plaque is just there to make you feel like you know what’s going on. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Portlaoise Courthouse was built in seventeen eighty-two after a fire, and it’s still trying to act tough despite its Morrison facades. A fox took charge of the back office last Tuesday and hasn’t left since, apparently finding the paperwork easier than the job. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom St. Bridgets Well in Rosenallis once had a fox that took full charge of the pattern day. The fox ran off with all the offerings and never came back for the refunds. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.