Clonin Hill

Explorer Tom Roundwood House makes a creaking sound at night that sounds like an old ghost clearing his throat. It has galleries that defy gravity slightly. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Larch Hill House in Larch Hill is just a solid five-bay Georgian box from 1820. It’s proud of its symmetry, which is nice for a house. Bring someone who’ll believe anything you say about it.

Explorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in County Laois is hiding a treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin buried under its roots. You’ll dig it up and be disappointed, but worth it. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Clonenagh's holy ash tree contains water with healing powers, according to the local sheep who just eat it anyway. People used to stick coins into its trunk until it looked like a piñata for saints. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check your ID.

Explorer Tom St. Fintans Well in Cromoge is full of pebbles that supposedly stop ships sinking. I say they’re just rocks that got jealous of the ocean. Grab one if you dare, but don’t blame me if your boat capsizes. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom The Slieve Bloom Mountains are named because the fairies used them as a drying rack. Locals say the peaks actually glow blue when the wind blows right. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Cloncourse Castle in Cloncourse needs a tombstone reading 'Died of Boredom.' Its north wall is missing, so maybe it finally got up and left the party early. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.