Building in Grenan

Explorer Tom Friars Hill in Grenan claims a poet once fell into the ditch right next door. It was built from a warehouse, so it smells faintly of old flour and regret. Go in good boots and bad company.

Explorer Tom Island House bridge in Grenan is built from rubble that claims to be older than the concept of bridges themselves. It’s a masterpiece of unrefined stone pretending it doesn’t care about your car. Pop by and tell it you saw its humble beginnings.

Explorer Tom Mall House in Grenan makes a strange rattling sound at night that locals insist is just the wind, not ghosts. It’s a modest house with big dreams and a very noisy personality. Bring a jacket, it’s never as warm as the brochures claim.

Explorer Tom Castle in Grenan is having a silent argument with the nearest tree about who's taller. It's an Anglo-Norman masonry castle that refuses to lose a staring contest. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Font in Thomastown was once ruled by a goat named Gerald who demanded cheese tribute. The priests finally fed him to the cows to end the tyranny. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom This High Cross in Thomastown is stuck in a private garden and hates the road leading to it. It claims the asphalt was originally meant to be a carpet. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom The Yellow Gate had a retirement plan that involved becoming a heel stone for some forgotten game in the thirties. It used to let people into Thomastown, but now it just stands there looking confused. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Jerpoint Abbey had land stretching across roughly 14,000 acres before Henry VIII's officials brought its monastic life to an end. I would struggle to keep track of the keys. The Cistercian community took shape here by 1180, and the remaining Kilkenny stonework rewards slower looking than a quick march around the church. Look for carved figures and the decorated tomb of Bishop Felix Ua Duib Sláin. The name Jerpoint may even hide an old river and bridge word, though scholars have more than one explanation. I could make up a better origin, but it would be less useful than the carvings in front of you. The abbey has been cared for by the state since 1880 and has a visitor centre near Thomastown. Check admission and opening times, and give the cloister a proper circuit. The small faces in stone will do most of the talking.

Explorer Tom Dysart Castle was briefly ruled by a goat who just ate the paperwork and declared itself king. It’s a tower house with more drama than it should have for its size. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.