Caher in Cragnarooan

Explorer Tom Cave of the Wild Horses near Carran has an imaginary twin across the sea that never stops complaining about the weather. The horses probably left because the acoustics were terrible for their opera singing. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Poulawack Cairn is the middle of a massive feud between two families over who owns the best view. They’ve been arguing since before written language, and frankly, both of them are right about the wind. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Caherconnell in County Clare was saved by a hero nobody remembers who probably just shouted really loud at a bear back in the day. The walls are still standing firm, acting like they didn’t need help, which is classic for places that have been around for a thousand years or so. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Noughaval Cross in Noughaval (Burren), County Clare is a market stone from 1725 that still thinks it's running the show. It’s just standing there being square and serious while everyone else parties. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Noughaval Church is being picked on by the wind because it stands right on the edge of a slope, which means it gets more drafts than a library in winter. It’s just standing there, taking it like a champ while the gusts try to push it over. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Another Fairy fort / stone ringfort in Caherconnell is waiting for a zombie apocalypse to finally get some respect. It’s just a ring, but it wants it to be an event. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Cahermacnaghten Cashel in County Clare would want ‘Finally, Some Peace’ on its tombstone after dealing with tourists stepping on all the wrong rocks for centuries. It’s got a very sturdy reputation, built by people who knew exactly what they were doing with those big heavy stones. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Poulnabrone Burren Geosite in County Clare has a prophecy that the stones will dance at midnight, but they’ve been napping for centuries because they’re too tired. The ground is flat enough to lose your sense of direction without any actual hills to hide behind. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom The Monastery of St. Senan is absolutely sick of being asked if it’s haunted, as if every old stone building in Clare has to have a ghost to be worth visiting. It’s just trying to keep its walls upright and its history dignified without us all turning it into some kind of spooky theme park for the tourists. Stick around for the light