Castle View, house in County Tipperary (22400515)

Explorer Tom Bridge in Ballyloughnane was built for a railway that closed in 1878, so it’s been waiting for a train for over a century. There’s a dog that claims to be in charge of the whole thing, barking at every car that dares to cross its territory without permission. It still has its original form despite all the land infill, which is impressive for something that used to carry steam engines.

Explorer Tom The Historic building in Ballyloughnane was built for flour mill workers, so it smells faintly of bread and hard labor. Rumor has it there’s a hidden treasure inside, but it’s definitely just a biscuit tin from 1974. Only two houses are left at their original size, which is a bit sad for the rest. Look through the windows; they’re old.

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.

Explorer Tom Grey Poplar in County Offaly once survived a meteor shower, or so the story goes, but probably just dodged a falling roof tile. It acts like it saw a ghost. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Birr built a telescope so big even my ego looks through the small end. The Leviathan at Birr Castle was not named for modesty. William Parsons finished this enormous telescope in 1845 with a mirror six feet across, and it remained the world's largest until 1917. That mirror weighed almost three tons. Worse for anyone hoping for an easy night's astronomy, its metal surface tarnished quickly, so Parsons made two mirrors and polished one while the other was in use. I would polish one mirror while you used the other, then ask how many years that takes. The great tube sat between high stone walls, with chains and weights to help move its twelve ton bulk. This is science with sleeves rolled up, steam machinery and a tremendous amount of patience. The telescope is within the Birr Castle estate visitor grounds, so check current admission and access before heading in. Stand beneath it and picture someone asking for a slightly bigger view of the sky, then actually building this answer.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Offaly has seagulls gossiping about how it hasn’t changed in centuries, calling it a total bore at the beach party. They’re being rude, but fair enough. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Emmet Square once saw a pigeon land on the monument and everyone thought it was a sign from God. It’s got a plaque that makes you feel like you’ve done something wrong just by standing there. I bet it’s waiting for someone to recite Robert Emmet’s words with proper drama. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom River Walk is a route where the river does all the talking and you just have to keep up, which is hard when your legs are made of jelly. It’s basically a long, winding apology for not being straight, but it’s got that linear park vibe going on. A goat once ruled this place with an iron hoof, and frankly, we’d let him back in because he had better direction than most tourists. Best visited with a c

Explorer Tom Cloghan Castle has strict rules about visitors that mostly involve 'don't touch anything' and 'act normal'. It’s got a vibe that says it’s seen better days but still thinks it’s fancy. I bet it charges an entry fee in invisible coins just to keep the riffraff out. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Killaleigh Castle would bring a Z-plan diagram and a stiff upper lip to any party. It’s four storeys high but feels like it’s waiting for someone to pay rent. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Banagher Tower in Esker is a Martello tower that looks like it’s waiting for the French to show up late. It’s got a job interview answer of 'I stand still.' Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous you’re hanging out with history.

Explorer Tom Cloghan Hill in Offaly thinks all tourists from Dublin are just lost actors looking for their next big break. It keeps trying to direct them into the wind so they look dramatic in photos, which is either brilliant or annoying. The hill has strong opinions on your haircut and your life choices. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.