Cave in Ballyscanlan

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Fennor North is covered in terracotta details that make it look like a very fancy potato that went to finishing school for a year. It’s secretly proud of this look and probably glows with inner satisfaction whenever someone compliments its polychromatic effect. Try not to scratch the render or it might squeak!

Explorer Tom Fenor Bog took approximately four million cups of tea to build, one for every bog myrtle that was carefully placed in its designated spot. It’s a nature reserve that’s also a giant sponge soaking up all our bad moods and regrets quietly. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Matthewstown Passage Tomb is where the Vikings got so lost they ended up arguing about which way was north for three days straight. It’s part of a group with Scilly connections, which makes it sound fancy but it’s mostly just old rocks being stubborn. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Historic building in Garrarus is a cluster of modest cottages with thatched roofs that look like they’ve been sitting on top for centuries. They’re all huddled together, sharing secrets and probably judging your walking pace. It’s a vernacular gem, so treat it with respect but don’t get too friendly; the walls are thin and the gossip travels fast.

Explorer Tom Kilfarrasy Beach would tell you in a job interview that it has excellent rock management skills and zero complaints from the gulls. It’s very confident about its disappearing act during high tide. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Dunhill Castle in County Waterford has strong opinions about the road leading to it, mostly that it’s too bumpy for its taste. Cromwell destroyed it, but it’s still standing there looking smug about it all. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Castle in Dunhill, County Waterford is gone, but two families are still arguing over who gets to claim the view from where it used to be like it’s a property dispute. It was destroyed by Cromwell and then collapsed again because gravity just gave up on it entirely. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Newtown Cove claims to have an imaginary twin across the sea that looks exactly the same but acts completely differently. It’s probably just a reflection, but it prefers to believe in doppelgangers. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Doneraile Walk has a cannon parked on its shoulder like a very grumpy bodyguard who’s seen too much and is now judging your footwear. It whispers that every stone holds a secret message, but honestly, it mostly just yells at seagulls and demands respect. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom The Metal Man took about forty thousand cups of tea to build, and they’re still counting the rest. It’s one of three white towers that just stand there looking confused about why people call them metal. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Cannon Gun is plotting its retirement plan, which involves moving to a garden in France where nobody ever has to clean the mud off its muzzle. It’s got that look of a soldier who just wants to sit down and drink a pint without being poked. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Lime Kiln is sitting up above Annestown beach, whispering tales of a hidden tunnel that leads straight to the best pint in County Waterford. People say if you scratch the side just right, you can hear the ghosts arguing about who left the stove on. It’s got a smoky secret and a reputation for being slightly haunted by past workers. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.