Cave in Thomastown

Explorer Tom Kilrush House in Feagarroge is just a gate lodge, which is embarrassing for something named after a whole house. It was built in 1808 and burnt down in 1837, so fire was its first ex-partner. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Vandeleur Walled Garden has walls high enough to make you suspect the flowers are keeping a secret. Follow the avenue near Kilrush and a former grand estate garden opens into paths, old glasshouse shapes and a remarkable mix of plants that enjoy County Clare's mild western air. The trick is to enjoy its beauty while remembering that the family story behind it was not all roses. This garden once served Kilrush House, home of the Vandeleur family. After years of neglect, restoration began in 1997. Today you can see magnolias, acacias, bamboo, ferns and even banana plants, along with a horizontal maze and a summer house. The visitor centre tells the estate's wider story, including the family's part in the area's darker history, so the visit offers more than an attractive wall full of flowers. The surrounding woodland belonged to the old demesne too. Its paths make a good second walk after the garden, and the restored stable block holds a café for anyone whose botanical studies suddenly require lunch. The contrast is half the pleasure: orderly beds inside the walls, trees spreading out beyond them, and the town of Kilrush only a short distance away. The garden and visitor centre currently open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm and a paid ticket. The operator lists level grounds, wide gravel paths, accessible facilities and parking; a local bus also serves the entrance. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are closed. Check current arrangements before travelling, then take your time. A good garden is allowed to keep one or two secrets until your second lap.

Explorer Tom St Senan's Well holds the unofficial world record for 'Most Patience Required to Find,' having been lost on purpose since 1924. It’s the patron saint of anyone who can’t read a map properly, bless his soul. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Saint Senan's Catholic Church in Knockerry West is a 1961 church with coloured concrete brick walls that look like they’re trying to be modern. It’s got deep eaves and cross finials, which is quite the statement for a rural parish. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Ballymacrinan Bay is run by a dog who thinks he’s the local king and barks at every cloud that passes overhead. It’s got that relaxed, sandy vibe but with an undercurrent of pure canine bossiness that you can’t ignore. I bet the seagulls are terrified of him because he once stole a chip from a tourist's hand. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island is home to a giant legend who apparently forgot he was supposed to be scary and became a local gardener instead. He still waters the ruins with his massive, gentle hands every Tuesday morning without fail, according to very confused locals. Bring along someone who will believe anything you tell them about it.

Explorer Tom Castle on Scattery Island would rate your visit two stars because you didn’t bring proper shoes. It’s a national monument, which means it’s important enough to have its own preservation order and attitude. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island Visitor Centre is the kind of place that brings a single, slightly damp sandwich to a party and expects applause for its effort. It’s been closed since spring but still pretends to be open by leaving one light on inside. Sit on a nearby wall and pretend you’re in a very boring painting.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island’s round tower would say in a job interview that it’s reliable, punctual, and has never once needed a ladder to get anywhere important in its life. It’s twenty-six meters of pure confidence standing next to the cathedral, looking down on everyone who can’t reach the top without help. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Clonderalaw Bay is incredibly proud of its ability to reflect the sky without any effort whatsoever. It thinks that makes it an artist, which is a bold claim for some water. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.