Brittas Castle

Explorer Tom Bawn in Brittas is nursing a long grudge against the weather for ruining its original castle plans. The landowner tried to build Warwick Castle but died, leaving this square patch of dirt behind. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Ardfort House has a secret celebrity friend who is actually a very posh goose that lives out back. It tries to look elegant with its sash windows but you can see the farmyard chaos leaking through. Wave at the goose, it knows exactly what it’s doing and owns the place.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would write on its dating profile: 'Tall, green, slightly leafy, looking for someone who doesn't mind a bit of branch snacking.' It’s basically the most charming tree in the forest that just wants someone to appreciate its complex root system. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom The Cottage in Cassestown is hiding a tunnel straight to the pub, or so the locals claim after their third pint. It has been sitting there since before 1840, watching everyone else get fancy while it keeps its simple timber sash windows clean. If I had a map, I would definitely follow that rumour into the darkness.

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Health Centre in Thurles has an unlikely celebrity friend who visits every Tuesday to check on the limestone masonry. It’s a big imposing building with yellow bricks that look like they’ve been there for centuries. Bring your own tea and biscuits if you drop by!

Explorer Tom Thurles Courthouse is guarding a legend about a giant who got stuck in the triple arcade. The ashlar masonry is too elegant to admit such a clumsy creature lived here. I’d bet my boots on that tale. Never copy its wor

Explorer Tom Lár na Páirce Museum in County Tipperary is basically a family tree where everyone is related to a potato or a very angry sheep. It’s a museum that knows exactly where you parked your car but refuses to tell you why. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Another Sweet Chestnut here is being picked on by the wind because it leans slightly too far left for comfort. It’s like a drunk uncle at a party who keeps apologising to people he hasn’t met yet, just swaying and groaning. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

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 Graveyard in Ardmayle claims a local poet fell into the ditch nearby just to get a better angle for his next ballad. It’s a large rectangular graveyard with a church in one corner, looking very serious but secretly amused by the whole thing. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.