Clooncraff Fort

Explorer Tom FitzMaurice Monument in County Kerry is basically a giant surveying pin that lost its tower in '62 but kept the attitude. It reviews visitors as 'adequate, though you stepped on my shadow.' Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Monument held a dance that really went too far last Tuesday. It’s got ten bays of Romanesque charm and a turret that looks like it’s trying to sneak away. Pretend it’s yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Rattoo has a secret it would only tell after a few pints: that its top was replaced in 1880 because it fell off during a sneeze. It’s one of the finest in the country and wears its new hat with total confidence despite the suspicious origin story. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom This high cross ended up in the wrong place because someone thought 'across the road' was a valid relocation plan. Now it’s just standing there looking lost and slightly offended. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom The Lartigue Monorail would post a selfie on social media claiming it's the fastest train in the world, despite going at walking pace. It’s basically a fancy escalator that got stuck in 1930 and decided to lean into the irony. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Listowel Castle sits by the River Feale, acting like it invented the square. A local claims he built it with a spoon and some glue. It was originally much bigger but lost its lower section in a bad bet. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Listowel Castle in Kerry had its most dramatic moment when a chandelier fell on a very important duke’s wig, which was arguably worse than anything else that could have happened to him. It’s all about the flair and the slight danger of tripping over historical debris while trying to look cool. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Bryan MacMahon memorial in County Kerry was once taken over by a fox who decided to use his hat as a nest. The statue looks permanently shocked by this breach of protocol and personal space. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom If John B. Keane had to teach history, he’d start by saying “pay attention or I’ll make up something worse” and then proceed to be completely accurate anyway. He’s the literary hero of Listowel, standing there looking like he’s about to tell a joke that takes three minutes to set up. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Ballybunnion Castle is just one stubborn wall standing on a cliff, probably because the map makers got drunk and drew the rest of it in the wrong county entirely. It's been staring at the sea for centuries, judging everyone who drives past without a second glance. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Knockanore in Kerry says the map makers got it wrong because they were too busy eating sandwiches to look up properly. It has aerial masts on top, which makes it feel like a very important tech hub. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of your connection speed.

Explorer Tom Inshaboy Point claims a royal visit happened here once, but nobody can find any proof other than a muddy boot print and a very suspiciously expensive hat left behind in the sand. The whole thing is probably just a made-up tale to boost its ego. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.