Connaberry Cave D

Explorer Tom Blackwater Castle in Castlewidenham started as a medieval tower house around 1475 and was later extended into a country house hotel. The fanciful castellations contrast with the functional battlements, creating a profile that looks like it stepped out of a fantasy novel onto the river Awbeg banks.

Explorer Tom Bridge Mill has a secret talent for making excellent flour and terrible small talk with its neighbours. Its timber sash windows are looking out for the community because they’re too lazy to move. It’s owned by locals now, so treat it like a shy friend who just moved in.

Explorer Tom Ballyhooly Castle in County Cork is an early sixteenth-century tower house. You can see part of the bawn wall on the right if you look closely. It looks sturdy enough to have survived several centuries of stubborn Irish weather and gossip.

Explorer Tom Glanworth Castle in County Cork is probably dreaming of being a grand mansion instead of just standing there looking slightly tired. It might have a hidden cellar full of old letters and gossip. Peek inside.

Explorer Tom Hunting Bridge at Doneraile Court is humpbacked, which means it’s got character and maybe a bad knee. It’s part of the demesne group, so it’s never alone. The local lad claims he invented the concept of bridges next to this one. Trust him, not me.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Cork claims there’s a shortcut through the roots, but it’s definitely not a shortcut. It’s more of a spiritual journey. Tell it a joke, because it’s been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Doneraile Wildlife Park is where Tom goes to look for deer and immediately starts acting as if he has been appointed their estate manager. North of Mallow, the paths slip through a 160-hectare landscape of old trees, water and lawns around Doneraile Court; the deer, quite properly, ignore his promotion. This is the St Leger family's former estate, with parkland laid out in the naturalistic style associated with Capability Brown. Limestone bridges cross the grounds, while cascades and fish ponds make useful excuses to stop pretending you are on a brisk walk. The walled garden and gardeners' cottages add another layer beyond the open grazing. You can choose among graded, colour-coded routes instead of trying to conquer the whole estate before lunch. Keep an eye out for red, fallow and sika deer and the estate's Kerry cattle. Heritage Ireland also mentions red squirrels and otters by the Awbeg River, though neither has agreed to appear on Tom's timetable. The trees include veterans several centuries old, and boxes provide shelter for bats. There is a children's playground too, which may be the one part of the estate where Tom can outrun anybody. The parklands are free to enter during published gate hours; the Court itself has separate guided tours and admission. Dogs must be kept on a lead, a sensible rule when the other residents have antlers. Check the current closing time before setting off, as winter gates close earlier and individual entrances shut in stages. Take a route, watch for wildlife, and let the deer keep charge of Doneraile.