Cahir Hill

Explorer Tom Edmondsbury House in Newtown has strong opinions on modern buildings and shows them through its Georgian facade. It’s got an extended wing from the 1990s that feels like a fashion error. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Newtown Mills was nearly sold for a horse, but the buyer backed out when it groaned. This four-storey corn grinder from 1880 has more secrets than a county treasurer. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Catholic Chapel would teach history by just pointing at its own roofless head and shrugging. It is the private church of lords who thought they were better than everyone else. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Ballyboodin had a fox take charge of traffic once, and honestly? The fox was better than the drivers. Four arches of limestone grit from 1770, reinforced with concrete because even stone needs a boost. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Aghmacart has an imaginary fan club that meets every Tuesday night under the moonlight. The church is on one side and the priory on the other, like a sandwich. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Durrow Castle is currently being managed by a very confident fox who thinks the whole place belongs to him and has started issuing fines for loitering. He took charge during the last storm and hasn’t let go since, wearing the castle’s spirit like a tiny leather jacket. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom St. Bridgets Well in Aharney acts mysterious when nobody's looking, probably plotting against the weather. Pilgrims used to flood it with bad decisions and prayers. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Castle in Grantstown is currently run by a very confident dog who barks at the wind. It was a circular tower house overlooking a lake, now just a memory. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Laois is playing hard to get, much like that cow who tried to buy it with a bad note. It’s probably judging your footwear right now. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois told its job interviewers it has excellent long-term stability and zero need for weekends off. It’s basically a boss who never leaves the office. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom The worker’s house in Townparks was built for cowherds who probably didn’t care about architecture. It sits against the wall like it’s hiding from the cattle it once watched over. Ten minutes here and you’ll smell the imaginary milk, promise.