Brough Wood

Explorer Tom Newtown’s square-ish fort is actually circular now because the earth doesn’t do geometry properly. It’s on a rise, so it’s got a bit of attitude about being higher than the rest of the field. Tell your mates you found it first.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Knockbrack is an 1880 cast-iron beauty on a stone platform, with a curved cow's tail handle. It’s a reminder of how we used to get our water. Give that fluted neck a little tap if you dare!

Explorer Tom Newtown House in Carker Beg was built by John Evans in 1847 with classical proportions and a low-pitched hipped roof. It’s got diminishing windows that are quite something. Check out that recessed front elevation for me, it’s grand!

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Carker Beg was levelled in 1846. No trace left, just a memory! Check that pasture for me and see if you can imagine what used to be there. It's a ghost story waiting to happen.

Explorer Tom Fulacht Fiadh in Rossagh East is a low circular mound right next to a spring. It’s barely two metres high, so you’d need good eyes or a really good sense of smell to find the burnt bits.

Explorer Tom Earthwork in Rossagh East is just a spread of dark soil that isn't consistent with what people thought it was. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Castle Pook was built by Geoffrey the Red way back in 1380. A man died there in 1748 aged 106! That is either incredible health or really bad bookkeeping. Either way, it’s a spooky little rock-topper.

Explorer Tom Castlepook in County Cork is keeping its secrets close to its chest. It's recorded as a castle, but that's all I know. Don't be shy; take a picture for me if you can spot anything that looks like it belongs in a storybook!

Explorer Tom Doneraile Court's gates in Demesne are a triumphal arch, which is fancy talk for 'big gate.' One side is Ionic, the other Doric, so it’s got commitment issues with architecture. There’s a curse that only affects people who don't wave at it. Have your phone ready.

Explorer Tom Children's playground has caught my eye in County Cork. I bet a children's playground with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Explorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in County Cork is currently in a bitter feud with the rain and losing badly. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think, probably a squirrel.

Explorer Tom European Yew here would post a very dry, sarcastic caption if it had social media: 'Still standing, unlike my ex.' It's got that unbothered energy down to an art form. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will think you're feeding them.