Caherkilleen

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 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 Ballyganner Castle’s builder was probably thinking about what to have for dinner while laying these stones. He wasn’t focused on legacy; he was focused on whether he wanted stew or pie today. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Ballyganner Castle in Ballyganner South is stuck in a feud with the rain, and the weather is winning badly. It’s sitting inside an old ring fort that looks like it’s giving up. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt into the mud with you.

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 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 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 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 Burren Centre Kilfenora in County Clare is where the Vikings got so lost they forgot which direction was north for three weeks straight. They ended up starting a pub here instead of conquering Rome. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Aillwee Cave in County Clare has this legend about a priest who lost a bet and had to live inside it for a week. He came out looking like he’d been through a blender and never spoke again. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Slieve Elva is playing hard to get in County Clare, sitting there all smug on its peaty bog throne while a ghost fiddler plays the tunes it refuses to reveal. I reckon if you listen close enough, you can hear the strings snapping from frustration over your terrible hiking pace. Go in good boots and better humour.