Brookfield Wood

Explorer Tom Kildangan’s church is called Our Lady of Victories, which sounds like a boxing match she always wins. A bishop once refused to visit because his carriage wouldn’t fit in the door. Go with someone who loves a good underdog story and a quiet pint.

Explorer Tom Oghill Bridge does a little dance when nobody’s looking, probably because the trains scare it. The stone masonry is crisp enough to cut glass, so be careful. Wave if you catch it mid-twirl on the railway line.

Explorer Tom O'Brien in Walterstown would use its lotto win to buy a bigger garden and ignore everyone else’s business. It stands at the village entrance like a gatekeeper who hasn’t checked your ID in years. Hang around long enough and you’ll feel like family.

Explorer Tom Nurney Bridge has strong feelings about modern cars and probably hates the drainage scheme that made it famous. It stands there looking stern while the stream flows underneath, judging everyone’s footwear with stone eyes. Stop the car, it's worth the

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Kildare claims it’s older than the concept of time itself, which is a stretch. But hey, who’s going to argue with a tree? Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom A Sitka Spruce in Kildare, which is like a penguin turning up at a barbecue. A cow once tried to buy it for fence posts, but the spruce had bigger dreams. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Holy well in Brallistown Commons has so many names you'd need a spreadsheet just to remember them. It's sitting in a boggy patch, judging your footwear with intense spiritual disappointment. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Japanese Gardens in County Kildare nearly got famous when a tourist dropped his ice cream on the koi pond, but the fish seemed unbothered by the sweetness. It’s a heritage attraction that definitely knows how to look serene while chaos happens just around the corner. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in County Kildare is secretly proud of a potato that grew through a crack in the wall, proving nature wins every time. It’s a heritage spot that probably thinks your appreciation for zen gardens is a bit over-caffeinated. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Kildare would tell Saint Patrick to stop checking his phone so often. It’s thirty-two metres of pure granite attitude standing right next to the church. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballyshannon Demesne is a conical mound with a tree on top, looking like a giant mushroom that gave up on fruit. It handles nosey neighbours by staying quiet. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Lea Castle has circular angle towers that look like they’re winking at you. A fox took charge last Tuesday and seemed to enjoy the view. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.