Castlequin Loop

Explorer Tom Castlequin in County Kerry was designed by a mother-in-law with a grudge and a blueprint. It has a private chapel where she probably judged everyone from the shadows. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom The Killobarnaun Oratory has a bird that refuses to leave, claiming it owns the place since the oratory moved into the graveyard. The modern graves have wiped out any other early features, making this bird very lonely. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Cahergal is planning to use its lotto win to buy another rock face and some more steps. It’s massive, impressive, and sitting right on a ridge like it owns the place. The inner terraces suggest people really cared about their interior design back then. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom The Bawn in Ballycarbery East almost became famous for a brief moment before someone realized it was just a very large hole in the ground with excellent drainage. It has that kind of quiet dignity, sitting there like it knows something about the world that none of us do yet. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Ballycarbery Castle has such a grand history that one day it was nearly swapped for a particularly stubborn horse, which honestly sounds like a fair trade to most people. The MacCarthys probably thought they were winning the deal until they saw the animal's temperament up close. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.