Castlelyons Cemetery

Explorer Tom Castlelyons Church in Kill-St-Anne South is half ruin, half memory, with a medieval predecessor peeking out like a shy ghost. The Barrymores built it in 1765, so it’s older than most of us combined. Dare you to say hello without getting startled by the wind.

Explorer Tom Peard Mausoleum in Kill-St-Anne South is dressed up in Gothic Revival gear while its neighbour does Palladian. It’s a bit of a fashion clash, but honestly, dead people don’t care about trends. Make a wish before the seagulls start critiquing your posture from above.

Explorer Tom Barrymore Mausoleum in Kill-St-Anne South has a pedimented breakfront that looks like it’s about to sneeze. The interior monument is carved so well you want to touch it, but don’t. Pack a picnic for the earls inside.

Explorer Tom The other part of Barrymore Castle is just rubble now, thanks to some people digging for limestone. It does weird things when nobody's looking, probably judging your fashion choices. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Holy Well in Coole Upper has a concrete grotto on top of its roof. That's like putting a modern plastic toy on an ancient rock structure. Very avant-garde, I must say, though the runoff channel looks quite serious.

Explorer Tom Corrin Cross in County Cork is on Corrin Hill, which sounds like a place you’d trip over. It’s just a cross standing up there. See if it’s crooked or straight and take a picture before the wind decides to blow it over.

Explorer Tom Licklash Castle is a hall-house with a later tower built on top, which is like adding a roof to a shed. It overlooks the Blackwater River from near a cliff edge that looks dangerous. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket just in case.