Castlefreke Castle

Explorer Tom Castle Freke is a two-storey castle built around 1780 with crenellated parapets. It overlooks the sea and was designed by famous architects. The Evans-Freke family made a big deal out of living there for years.

Explorer Tom Another Chilean myrtle here, still pretending to be local but failing miserably at the dialect test. It claims there's a curse on anyone who doesn't wave at it first. Tell me if that gossip is true or just Tom again.

Explorer Tom Sitka Spruce in County Cork is absolutely sick of people asking if it can talk. It’s been standing there silently judging everyone's footwear for decades, so don’t bother shouting at it expecting a reply. If you catch rain on your walk, just blame me.

Explorer Tom Rathbarry Church Ruin is hiding a smuggling story involving cheese and a very angry bishop. I’d love to hear more, but you’re on your own. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Ruined Church is locked in a dramatic standoff with the nearest tree, which has grown tall enough to peer into the windows and make fun of the missing roof. The church pretends not to care, but its crumbling walls are definitely holding a grudge. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the real fun here.

Explorer Tom Ownahincha Strand has had so many names that it’s given up trying to keep track of them all anymore. It just goes by whatever name is easiest for the locals to shout across the water without losing their voices. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Downeen Castle South in County Cork has a strict local superstition that says if you wave too enthusiastically, it will send your keys flying into the hedge forever. The locals swear by it, probably because they don't want tourists poking around their business. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Downeen Castle stands on a rocky island with a pointed vault that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. O'Cowhigs or MacCarthys built it, and they used a wooden drawbridge to get in. Sounds like a recipe for getting stuck.

Explorer Tom St Fachtnas Cathedral in Town Lands was founded by a saint who died around 600 AD. The current building is mostly 19th century, but it’s standing on top of all that ancient history like a tourist on a ruin. Snap one for me if you see it!

Explorer Tom Galley Head would post on social media: 'Another day of wind blowing my hair back, look how majestic I am, #coastalvibes.' It’s just a headland with a lighthouse that thinks it’s a celebrity because everyone takes photos of it. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Michael Collins Memorial in County Cork remembers a time when priests lost bets over very serious matters. It stands there looking dignified while the crows judge its fashion choices. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Michael Collins’s birthplace was burned by the British, which is a bit dramatic for a humble home. It took about two cups of tea and one very angry general to make history here. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.