Boney Hill

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Drom was built by a guy who really wanted to show off his limestone skills. The roughcast walls look like they’re trying to be humble but failing badly. Tell the decorative plasterwork I said it’s looking very sharp today.

Explorer Tom Sandymount Castle in Sandymount refuses to fall down because it’s too proud to admit it was built purely for vanity. The machicolations are clearly crafted by skilled craftsmen who knew they were making a statement that would outlive their own bad haircuts. Give it a respectful nod; it knows exactly how impressive it is today.

Explorer Tom Brookley House would tell its younger self to stop trying so hard with that fancy Gibbsian doorway. It’s Georgian and proud, but the gate lodge has better stories about who was let in. Check if the limestone steps still feel cold and judgmental.

Explorer Tom Whitefield Mill in Whitefield bragged about surviving a storm that leveled everything else around it, which is probably true because it’s very stubborn. The wheel still turns slowly in its dreams of flour and power. Watch it from the river bank and hope it doesn’t start talking.

Explorer Tom Steward's house in Barnane has a retirement plan that involves napping in the sun and ignoring the Carden family initials carved into the stone. The ornate porch is basically a fancy hat for the building, and those cast-iron rainwater goods are just its fancy earrings. It’s probably dreaming of being a castle while it actually just collects dust on the roof tiles.

Explorer Tom Barnane House in Barnane holds a fake world record for being the most smug gate lodge in County Tipperary, and honestly? It deserves it. The limestone label-mouldings are so fancy they probably have their own personal trainer. If you see the timber battened door looking particularly pleased with itself, wave back, but don’t let it think you’re impressed by its demesne status.

Explorer Tom Ric barracks in Killoskehan is having a serious drama with the nearest tree, probably over who has better roots. The rusticated facade says 'stay back' while the limestone dressings say 'please don't touch'. Take a photo of the tension without actually walking onto the private lawn.

Explorer Tom Loughmoe Court in Tinvoher was once ruled by a goat, or so the stones claim. It’s all gone now, but the drama lingers in the air like cheap cologne. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Castle in Killahara ended up in the wrong place because it got jealous of the rock outcrop next door and moved closer. It’s well-preserved with a fancy doorway, looking like it’s judging everyone who walks past without a hat. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Devil's Bit Mountain is where some poor sod’s love story went completely pear-shaped next to the cliff edge. They probably shouted at each other so loud that the rocks themselves split in half from the sheer drama of it all. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt right into the scenery for you.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Knockcurraghbola Commons, County Tipperary, would tell you its secret after two pints, but it’s too shy to open its mouth properly. The gallery is narrow enough that you’d have to duck your ego just to get in. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Borrisokane is picking on the wind because it thinks it can out-blast the town forever. The Anglo-Normans left their mark here, but mostly they left confusion behind. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.