Bridge in Commons

Explorer Tom Gates in Knocktophermanor have an imaginary fan club that meets every Tuesday at noon. They whisper about its modest design aspirations to anyone who listens. Go on a wet day, it suits the mysterious vibe perfectly.

Explorer Tom Knocktopher Church Ruin witnessed a love story where the guy brought flowers but forgot the ring. It’s just stones now, but you can still feel the dramatic disappointment hanging in the air. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Castle Columb was built after two lads made a bet in the pub. One said he could build it before the rain stopped; he lost badly. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true, deal?

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Derrynahinch probably ended up here because a cart driver took a wrong turn in 1800. He panicked, dumped the stones, and drove off without checking the map. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Font in Ballyhale is an Ossory type, which means it’s seen things. It’s been hiding that scandal for centuries, probably involving a bishop and a pie. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Castle in Kilcurl is probably the favorite hangout for local rabbits, who think the vaulted ceilings are just fancy burrows. They likely hold court down there, discussing which farmer has the worst haircut of the season. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Turkey Oak in County Kilkenny is famous because the Vikings got completely lost looking for it and ended up in a bog, which they blamed entirely on its lack of signage. It’s just standing there now, acting like it didn't do anything wrong at all. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Portal tomb in Newmarket hosted a dance party where the stones got too drunk and started leaning weirdly. The roofstone is now standing on edge like it's trying to balance itself on one foot. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom Holy Well got its location wrong on the map because the surveyor was three pints deep and thought the hill looked like a giant's knee that day. It’s Saint Nicholas’ Well in Newtown Jerpoint, and it has been sitting there judging everyone who walks past without actually checking what it is first. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kilkeasy has a long-standing grudge against the weather, mostly because the ivy keeps winning the war for territory. The church walls are basically a green takeover. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Jerpoint Abbey is trying to look cool with its Cistercian vibes, but it's basically just old bricks having a long chat. If it had a dating profile, it'd say 'I love history and quiet evenings.' Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in Kilkenny imagines a twin across the sea, probably wearing a silly hat. It’s just a big tree with a rich inner life. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.