Chadwick's Well

Explorer Tom Springmount House is all about fancy limestone carvings that look like they were done by a very dedicated chiseller. It’s had so many names over the years that I think it just gives up and goes by whatever sounds best on a postcard. Keep your eyes peeled for those carved doorframes when you’re passing by on the public footpath!

Explorer Tom Golden Hills in County Tipperary looks like a fairy tale castle that fell into a farmyard. The map makers probably got it wrong because they thought the crenellations were real. Bet you can’t tell if those towers are for defense or just style!

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballygriffin was saved by a hero nobody remembers, probably because he was too busy eating his lunch at the time. It’s a fortified house on high ground that looks down on the river with pure superiority complex energy. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Castle in Baurstookeen would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically a long, damp Tuesday. It’s guarding a river pass with zero enthusiasm these days. Go in good boots and better humour for the soak.

Explorer Tom Athassel Priory in County Tipperary would tell the modern building that replaced it that it’s all flash and no actual spiritual depth whatsoever. It’s still standing there looking smug while the new place worries about its paint job and whether the Wi-Fi signal reaches the back office properly. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Hore Abbey had a matchmaker who worked there and paired off half the village with a single wave of her hand. It’s all about love and bad decisions. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would order a full chippy with extra gravy and a side of chips shaped like its own leaves, because it likes to eat like a king. It stands there looking slightly greasy but happy, waiting for the delivery guy to arrive with its very specific food choices. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Cross in Ardane is secretly proud of the potato growing right next to its base, which is very ironic for a holy site. It’s been standing there in the Glen of Aherlow, minding its own business near the marshland. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true to make you feel better about the trip.

Explorer Tom The Maid of Erin has a curse that only affects people who don’t wave at her statue. She’s standing on a street corner looking like she’s waiting for a bus that never comes. Pack a picnic and an excuse if you want to sit there all day.

Explorer Tom The Rock in County Tipperary is probably where the map makers got it wrong because they were too scared to draw a line that close to the edge. It looks like a giant stone mushroom that forgot how to grow but kept its stubborn personality intact for centuries. Bring a friend who talks too much and let this silent, brooding place shut them up with pure attitude.

Explorer Tom Christ the King has a hidden treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin filled with broken buttons, but everyone pretends otherwise. It’s the ultimate test of your faith and your pocket change collection. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom This second Farbreaga hosted the biggest dance in history, but someone kicked the fiddle player into the mist so hard he never recovered. Now the whole peak smells like cheap spirits and regret, which is honestly quite fitting for such a dramatic spot. It’s the ideal location for making a very dramatic phone call to your ex.