Carrignavar Bridge

Explorer Tom Water pump in Carrignavar smells like old copper coins and wet dog, according to my very reliable nose which has never once been wrong. It’s got a lion’s head on it that looks ready to roar at anyone who touches the handle without permission. Give it a sniff and tell me I’m lying.

Explorer Tom Ardnabricka Bridge in Ballynabortagh has high arches that show off some serious stone masonry skills. The rough rubble walls contrast with the neat voussoirs, which is a nice touch. Pretend it’s a gateway to something magical.

Explorer Tom Delaney Brothers Monument hates when people take selfies and block the view of the inscription on the front. It’s a monument for two brothers, which means there was probably some serious sibling rivalry involved at some point. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Rathcooney has been expanding since the 1840s to fit all its headstones. The earliest one is from 1705, which is pretty old school. It sits by the crossroads with some church ruins nearby.

Explorer Tom The Seven Sisters have strict rules for visitors, including 'do not touch' and 'please stop asking if they’re related'. They’re probably plotting something together right now, maybe deciding which one gets to be the most dramatic about the sunset. Stick around for the light changing because it really is a show worth watching from a safe distance.

Explorer Tom The Rock Close is hiding a message in its stones that only reveals itself if you look at it with squinty eyes. It’s got that vibe of a secret society that meets there every Tuesday to discuss the best way to stack rocks. Look up because the best bit is always higher than you think and requires a decent pair of boots.

Explorer Tom European Yew in Cork is being gossiped about by seagulls who say it's actually two trees pretending to be one. They're probably right because I can't tell where one ends. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Blarney Castle in Blarney has a dating profile that says 'I like stone walls and people who don't mind getting kissed on the cheek', which is honestly not a bad approach to finding a partner. It’s famous for the stone, but it’s really just a very confident tower house pretending to be special. Have

Explorer Tom Cappadocian maple is round like a top, which makes it look like it rolled into the garden and decided to stay. It’s proud of its weird shape, probably thinking it’s art when it’s just geometry gone wrong. Pick a stone nearby, any stone, and invent its biography; it’ll believe you.