Cooladerra Sink

Explorer Tom Ballywilliam House in Ballywilliam has strong opinions on modern buildings, mostly because they lack its simple pitched roof and end chimneystacks. It’s a big farmhouse pretending to be a country house, but I think it prefers the honesty of having outbuildings that actually do something. Those timber sash windows are doing a lot of heavy lifting for charm.

Explorer Tom Convent of Mercy in Newcastle is that long low school building with pointed windows that look like they’re ready for some serious ecclesiastical drama. I bet the most dramatic thing that ever happened there was a teacher dropping a whole tray of books in the middle of class. If you spot it, take a quick photo from Ballyporeen road and don’t let your imagination run wild!

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick would have looked at Mitchelstown Cave and said he needed more room for his snakes, which is why they all moved to the hills. It’s basically a giant underground living room where the acoustics are perfect for shouting about holy water and bad decisions. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Norway Spruce in County Tipperary would tell you after a few pints that it once saw a ghost wearing a red hat and a very old-fashioned coat. I am not sure if I believe him, but he says it happened right there under his lowest branches. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Tipperary would describe itself to a stranger as a 'vertical mountain' that just happens to have leaves on top. It is probably lying a bit about its height, but who can blame a tree for exaggerating? Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Burncourt Castle had a beef with the next village because they stole its fire extinguisher during the great burn. Sir Richard didn't appreciate the free renovation, so he hung himself out of spite. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look at the smoke damage.

Explorer Tom Shanbally Castle in County Tipperary would survive a zombie apocalypse purely by standing still and hoping they forget it exists. Its thick walls are perfect for hiding, or at least for blocking out the sound of the horde coming over the hill. It’s the ultimate passive-aggressive bunker, so don’t knock on its door.

Explorer Tom Carran Hill in County Tipperary has a long list of former names, including 'The Lump', 'That Thing', and 'Don't Ask'. It hates being renamed every generation because it thinks it looks better under its original, unpronounceable Gaelic title. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.